Abstract

Forthe first time is reporteda facile in situ synthesis of folic acid-conjugated sulfur-doped graphene quantum dots (FA-SGQDs) through simple pyrolysis of citric acid (CA), 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), and FA. The as-prepared FA-SGQDs were extensively characterized to confirm the synthesis and incidence of FA molecule on the surface of SGQDs through advanced characterization techniques. Upon excitation at 370-nm wavelength, FA-SGQDs exhibited blue fluorescence with an emission band at 455nm. While exhibiting relatively high quantum yield (~ 78%), favorable biocompatibility, excellent photostability, and desirable optical properties, the FA-SGQDs showed suitability as a fluorescent nanoprobe to distinguish the folate receptor (FR)-positive and FR-negative cancer cells. The experimental studies revealed that FA-SGQDs aptly entered into FR-positive cancer cells via anon-immunogenic FR-mediated endocytosis process. Additionally, the FA-SGQDs exhibited excellent free radical scavenging activity. Hence, these FA-SGQDs hold highpromise to serve as efficient fluorescent nanoprobes for the pre-diagnosis of cancer through targeted bioimaging and other pertinent biological studies. Graphical abstract.

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