Abstract
Polymer-coated carbon dot-containing calcium carbonate nanoparticles are reported as unique nanocomposites capable of encapsulating a chemotherapeutic drug and displaying afterglow behaviour.
Highlights
Polymeric materials may be designed to release molecular cargo upon interaction with a range of stimuli including changes in environmental pH1–3 and temperature,[4,5,6] or the presence ofmolecules including enzymes[7] and reducing agents.[8,9] The controlled and prolonged release of preserved therapeutic, fragrant, and biocidal agents from a polymeric core is exploited in medicinal, household care, and personal care products
Raman microscopy and pXRD confirmed that the carbon nanodots (CNDs)/CaCO3 nanoparticles (CaNPs) produced were calcite (Fig. S1–S4†) with average diameters of 54 ± 14 nm, as determined by SEM analysis (Fig. S1a,† averaged over 126 particles), which was in suitable agreement with the value obtained from the Scherrer treatment of the pXRD pattern (62 ± 8 nm).[45]
aminobutylphosphonic acid (ABPA) and hydroxyundecylphosphonic acid (HUPA) were used to prepare CND/CaNP surfaces for modification by NCA ring-opening polymerisation (ROP).[46]. Both molecules feature phosphonic acid groups which interact with CaNP, while the hydroxyl or amine groups acts as the initiator for subsequent ROP (Scheme 1)
Summary
Polymeric materials may be designed to release molecular cargo upon interaction with a range of stimuli including changes in environmental pH1–3 and temperature,[4,5,6] or the presence of (bio)molecules including enzymes[7] and reducing agents.[8,9] The controlled and prolonged release of preserved therapeutic, fragrant, and biocidal agents from a polymeric core is exploited in medicinal, household care, and personal care products. They frequently rely on heavy metals for these properties which renders them cytotoxic, and unsuitable for use in vivo without encapsulation or modification.[22] On the contrary, fluorescent carbon nanodots (CNDs) express biocompatibility, low toxicity, chemical stability, photoluminescence, and ease of synthesis.[23] CNDs are used for a wide-range of applications including bioimaging,[24] drug delivery,[25] light-emitting devices[26] and as photocatalysts.[27,28] When certain CNDs are composited with a polymer such as poly(vinyl alcohol)[29] or 100 | Polym. The material shows great promise as a theranostic agent, PEG is associated with the production of antiPEG antibodies and accelerated blood clearance.[41] alternative, degradable polymers that enable CaNP dispersion in aqueous solution are sought.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
