Table tennis bat cypress baseplate derived fluorescence carbon dots: In vivo bioimaging applications

Abstract

Inspired by sports, this is the first study where waste table tennis bat cypress baseplates have been used as a carbon source in order to sustainably synthesize fluorescent carbon dots (FCDs). The prepared FCDs were suitable for bioimaging of the C2C12 muscle myoblasts, as well as in vivo bioimaging. The average particle size of the amorphous FCDs was ∼7.45 nm, whereas nitrogen-containing and oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of the carbon structure were observed. The fabricated FCDs exhibit excellent water solubility, biocompatibility and photoluminescent (PL) properties, while the maximum PL intensity was found at 401 nm on the excitation wavelength at 334 nm with a fluorescence lifetime of 6.43 ns. On top of that, the FCDs displayed a wavelength-dependent emission over the 315–355 nm excitation window with an emission range of 385–405 nm, resulting in blue fluorescence emission. Furthermore, the synthesis mechanism of the FCDs was thoroughly explored. These attractive results indicate that sporting goods waste can also be an ideal alternative raw material for the development of fluorescence carbon dots. • Novel carbon dots were easily obtained from table tennis bat cypress baseplates. • The fundamental synthesis mechanism of FCDs was discussed. • FCDs display good fluorescence properties and biocompatibility. • They are suitable for bioimaging both in C2C12 muscle myoblasts and in vivo.