Carbon Quantum Dots Research Articles

Solid/liquid hybrid lubrication behaviors of amorphous carbon film coupling with nonpolar and polar base oils

The amorphous carbon film (a-C) has aroused intensive interest in solid-oil hybrid lubrication design due to its low friction, high wear resistance, and good chemical inertness. However, the solid/liquid hybrid lubrication behaviors and mechanisms of a-C films when coupled with nonpolar and polar oils of similar viscosity are still insufficiently understood and ambiguous to date. In this study, we compared the lubrication properties of nonpolar paraffin oil and polar polyether oils with different molecular structures when combined with a-C film. The results demonstrated that the lubrication performance of polyether oils coupled with a-C film surpassed that of paraffin oil across various lubrication regimes. Notably, the stable superlubricity (friction coefficient<0.01) was achieved under mixed lubrication regime on the a-C film when coupled with polyethylene glycol (PEG) oil after a prolonged sliding duration. The tribo-induced formation of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) at the steel/a-C friction interface lubricated by PEG oils was firstly observed. The hydroxylation of the counter ball surface and the fabrication of CQDs might jointly contribute to the achievement of the robust superlubricity of the PEG oil/a-C film hybrid lubrication system.

Identification of peripheral nerve functional fascicles in Sprague-Dawley rats by the carbon quantum dot-Annexin V antibody complex

To explore a method to identify the sensory and motor fascicles of the peripheral nerve to achieve accurate peripheral nerve functional fascicle suture. The peripheral nerve Sunderland V injury model, muscle branch of the femoral nerve and saphenous nerve were established in the bilateral femoral nerves of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The specific samples were grouped as follows: the main trunk of the femoral nerve was exposed bilaterally and cut with microscopic scissors in the main trunk of the femoral nerve to prepare a model of Sunderland V injury in the mixed fascicle of peripheral nerves; the muscle branch of the femoral nerve was exposed bilaterally and cut in the middle section of the muscle branch of the femoral nerve to prepare a model of Sunderland V injury in the motor fascicle of peripheral nerves; the saphenous nerve was exposed bilaterally and cut at 1 cm below the patella to prepare a model of Sunderland V injury to the sensory fascicle of the peripheral nerves. A carbon quantum dot (CD)-annexin V antibody complex was prepared and applied to the distal and proximal nerve stumps of the peripheral nerve Sunderland V injury model groups of SD rats. Under the excitation light source of a 380 nm uv lamp, fluorescence color development was observed under a fluorescence microscope after 5, 10, 15, and 20 min. At 5 min, sections of the bilateral femoral nerve trunk, muscular branches of the femoral nerve, and Sunderland V lesion of the saphenous nerve in SD rats were only dark in color under the microscope, and there was no difference in fluorescence. The intensity of the staining increased significantly for 10–20 min. The sensory fascicles and saphenous nerves of the femoral nerve trunk showed blue fluorescence under the CD-Annexin V antibody complex staining, while the motor fascicles and muscle branches of the femoral nerve trunk showed no fluorescence. Fluorescence intensity gradually decreased after 20 min of staining. There was no significant difference in the staining intensity at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min in each group. Our results suggest that the CD-Annexin antibody complex can be used to identify functional fascicles of peripheral nerves in SD rats.

Thermal conversion of Achillea maritima biomass into dual-functional carbon quantum dots for antioxidant activity and methylene blue removal

Thermal conversion of Achillea maritima biomass into dual-functional carbon quantum dots for antioxidant activity and methylene blue removal

A Polysaccharide Binder with Carbon Quantum Dots for Improved Flexibility of Si Anodes in Lithium–Ion Batteries

A Polysaccharide Binder with Carbon Quantum Dots for Improved Flexibility of Si Anodes in Lithium–Ion Batteries

Enhancement effect of biomass-derived Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) on the performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)

Corn stover, an agricultural waste, was used to prepare nitrogen self-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) through a simple hydrothermal method with only water at near room temperature for the first time. The surface, electrochemical, and photovoltaic characteristics of CQDs doped TiO2 in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were thoroughly and systematically examined. The average diameter of blue-fluorescence CQDs measured by a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) was 4.63 ± 0.87 nm, which consisted of polar functional groups. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy of the biomass-derived CQDs, determined by the cyclic voltammetry (CV) test, were, −5.48 eV and −3.89 eV, respectively. The negative shift of flat band potential (Vfb) in CQDs incorporated photoanode implies the fermi level shifted upward. Experimental results revealed that the improved performance of DSSCs was due to charge transport enhancement and separation, which resulted in the improved energy level configuration between TiO2, CQDs, and electrolytes. In this regard, the CQDs serve as a mediator that enables charge carrier transport without hindrance. In this study, CQDs added to TiO2 + N719, increased short circuit current density (JSC) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) value by ∼26.00 % (10.13 to 12.69 mA/cm2) and 27.20 % (4.78 % to 6.08 %), respectively.

Lanthanide Functionalized Carbon Quantum Dots for White Light Emission, pH Sensing, and Co (II) Detection.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with fluorescence emission have been widely studied for versatile applications, but facile tunability of the spectral properties of CQDs by doping remains to be further explored. Herein, employing lanthanide ion Eu3+ as a dopant and activator, a simple and efficient synthesis route for pure CQDs and Eu-CQDs was demonstrated using N, N-dimethylformamide, oleic acid, and oleylamine as precursors for carbon sources. In comparison, with the popular citric acid precursor, the as-prepared CQDs and Eu-CQDs exhibited an obviously smaller particle size (1.72 ± 0.29 nm) and a more uniform distribution. Through systematic optimization of Eu3+ doping for the Eu-CQD system, colorful light emissions in the visible range were first realized under excitation of ultraviolet (UV) ∼360 nm for promising application of UV-triggered light-emitting diodes. Most interestingly, this Eu-CQD solution with UV-excited colorful light emissions was utilized as a visual pH sensor, experimentally featuring good repeatabilities and stabilities (pH values switching between 7 and 14). Besides, the Eu-CQD solution exhibited highly sensitive detection characteristics for Co (II) ions. Due to the spectral overlapping, the quenching efficiency is as high as 96.3%, and the detection limit is obtained as 0.139 μM, which is much lower than the maximum concentration of Co (II) in the drinking water permitted by WHO. All of these relevant results significantly demonstrate the great potential of lanthanide doping in the multifunctionalization of CQDs for certain emerging applications like lighting, sensing, and detection.

Solvent mediated synthesis of multicolor narrow bandwidth emissive carbon quantum dots and their potential in white light emitting diodes

The development of efficient and environmentally sustainable materials for white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) is of paramount importance in the field of lighting technology. In this study, we present a solvent-modulated synthesis approach for the fabrication of multicolor narrow-bandwidth emissive carbon quantum dots (CQDs) as a promising solution for constructing WLEDs. The synthesis method involves the controlled reaction of organic precursors in different solvent environments, leading to the formation of CQDs with distinct emission wavelengths with a relatively small full width at half maximum, ranging from 28 to 42 nm. Moreover, these synthesized multicolor CQDs demonstrate a remarkably high fluorescence quantum yield of up to 65%, indicating their potential for constructing efficient WLED when incorporated in polymer matrix and coated on the surface of blue light-emitting diode (LED).

Sensitive determination of hydroquinone and catechol using an electrochemical sensor based on nitrogen-doped malic acid carbon quantum dots

This study introduces an advanced electrochemical sensor fabricated by immobilizing nitrogen-doped malic acid carbon quantum dots (N-MCQDs) onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) via microwave-assisted synthesis and electrodeposition. The N-MCQDs were comprehensively characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM), confirming their successful synthesis and uniform distribution on the GCE surface. The N-MCQDs-modified GCE electrode (N-MCQDs/GCE) sensor displayed a remarkable linear detection range of 1–500 μM for hydroquinone (HQ) and 1–200 μM for catechol (CC), with ultra-low detection limits of 0.18 μM for HQ and 0.13 μM for CC. It also exhibits commendable stability, interference resistance, and the capability to accurately measure in complex real sample. These superior characteristics were attributed to the enhanced electrical conductivity and increased active sites due to nitrogen doping. This study not only broadens the application spectrum of carbon quantum dots but also offers a novel perspective for the design of high-performance electrochemical sensors for environmental analysis.

Synergistic effect of 2D covalent organic frameworks confined 0D carbon quantum dots film: Toward molecularly imprinted cathodic photoelectrochemical platform for detection of tetracycline

The development of high photoactive cathode materials combined with the formation of a stable interface are considered important factors for the selective and sensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) detection of tetracycline (TC). Along these lines, in this work, a novel type II heterostructure composed of two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic frameworks confined to zero-dimensional (0D) carbon quantum dots (CDs/COFs) film was successfully synthesized using the rapid in-situ polymerization method at room temperature. The PEC signal of CDs/COFs was significantly amplified by improving the light absorption and electron transfer capabilities. Furthermore, a cathodic molecularly imprinted PEC sensor (MIP-PEC) for the detection of TC was constructed through fast in-situ Ultraviolet (UV) photopolymerization on the electrode. Finally, a “turn-off” PEC cathodic signal was achieved based on the selective recognition of the imprinted cavity and the mechanism of steric hindrance increase. Under optimal conditions, the proposed sensor demonstrated a wide linear relationship with TC in the concentration range of 5.00 × 10−12–1.00 × 10−5 M, with a detection limit as low as 6.00 × 10−13 M. Meanwhile, excellent stability, selectivity, reproducibility, and applicability in real river samples was recorded. Our work provides an effective and rapid in situ construction method for fabricating highly photoactive cathode heterojunctions and uniform stable selective MIP-PEC sensing interfaces, yielding accurate antibiotics detection in the environment.

The Study of Sensing Elements Parameters Optimization for Developed Biosensor of SARS-CoV-2 Detection

New advancements in developing sensitive and selective biosensors have demonstrated outstanding potential for Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA biosensors). The detection mode of DNA biosensors primary depends on a particular DNA hybridization that precisely occurs on the surface of the physical transducer that can only be detected using high-performance assays due to slight current changes. The analytical performance (sensitivity) of the DNA biosensor is conclusively rely on the confluence constructing of the sensing surface, which must be optimized. Thus, in this study, the sensing elements of the developed biosensors were optimized for detecting RNA of SARS-CoV-2. This optimization included concentration of nanomaterials (carbon quantum dots), probe density (concentration of DNA probe) and concentration of linker (APTES). It was observed that 0.15 % V/V of concentration CQD, 0.1μM of DNA probe and 36% V/V of APTES were the optimum parameters which provided their maximum response during electrical measurements and increased the sensitivity of the developed biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 detection.

Electrospun Nanofiber Dopped with TiO2 and Carbon Quantum Dots for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Antibiotics

Novel photocatalysts were synthesized through the association of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with commercial (P25) titanium dioxide (TiO2) by sonication. The resulting TiO2/CQDs composite was then incorporated into the polyamide 66 (PA66) biopolymer nanofibers using the electrospinning technique, considering a composite nanoparticles-to-polymer ratio of 1:2 in the electrospinning precursor solution. The produced nanofibers presented suitable morphology and were tested for the photocatalytic degradation under simulated solar radiation of 10 mg L−1 of amoxicillin (AMX) and sulfadiazine (SDZ), in phosphate buffer solution (pH 8.06) and river water, using 1.5 g L−1 of photocatalyst. The presence of the photocatalyst increased the removal of AMX in phosphate buffer solution by 30 times, reducing the AMX degradation half-life time from 62 ± 1 h (without catalyst) to 1.98 ± 0.06 h. Moreover, SDZ degradation half-life time in phosphate buffer solution was reduced from 5.4 ± 0.1 h (without catalyst) to 1.87 ± 0.05 h in the presence of the photocatalyst. Furthermore, the PA66/TiO2/CQDs were also efficient in river water samples and maintained their performance in at least three cycles of SDZ photodegradation in river water. The presented results evidence that the produced photocatalyst can be a promising and sustainable solution for antibiotics’ efficient removal from water.

Repurposing expired metformin to fluorescent carbon quantum dots for ratiometric and color tonality visual detection of tetracycline with greenness evaluation

Repurposing expired drugs is highly significant as it prevents the accumulation of pharmaceutical wastes, optimizes resource usage, and reduces environmental harm. Metformin, used for type II diabetes, lowers blood sugar via decreasing liver glucose production and increasing muscle insulin sensitivity. However, the growing number of expired tablets annually necessitates a strategic approach for repurposing or reusing these tablets. Herein, we develop a simple hydrothermal approach for converting expired metformin to valuable fluorescent carbon quantum dots (m-CQDs) with sizes smaller than 10 nm. The m-CQDs displayed a blue emission at 420 nm when excited at 350 nm. Interestingly, when tetracycline (TC) was added, the blue emission diminished, and a greenish-yellow emission emerged at 530 nm. This emission tunning was the resulting of combination of inner filter effect and aggregation induced emission. Leveraging this dynamic emission tunning, we developed both ratiometric-based fluorescence and color tonality-based visual detection methods for detecting TC in pharmaceuticals and wastewater. More importantly, three assessment tools, ComplexMoGAPI, AGREE, and BAGI were used to evaluate the environmental sustainability of the proposed analytical method. The evaluation confirmed the sustainability of the method and the alignment with the greenness guidelines for analytical methods.

Enriched photocatalytic degradation of methylene orange dye using carbon quantum dots surface-decorated TiO2 nanocomposites

Complex molecules in methylene orange (MO) dye-contaminated water are carcinogenic and mutagenic risks to human health. Carbon quantum dot surface-decorated titanium dioxide nanocomposites (CQD-TiO2 NCs) were synthesized via a sustainable hydrothermal method at concentrations of 1.5–3 mL. These NCs exhibits superior electron transfer, light harvesting capabilities, high stability, easy modification, optical characteristics, and photocatalytic properties. The surface morphology, porosity, physiochemical, and optical features of these CQD-TiO2 NCs were characterized using TEM, UV–Vis, PL, BET, BJH micromeritics, pHzpc, and photoelectrochemical measurements. The prepared NCs were evaluated against the photocatalytic degradation of MO dye molecules using a solar simulator system. The TEM revealed ultra-sensitive and tiny CQD materials with graphite phases ranging from 5 to 10 nm and attached to the octahedron surface of TiO2 NCs. The PL analysis observed three distinct emission peaks in the visible region, attributed to the near band edge, interstitial (Tii), and oxygen vacancy (V0). The BET and BJH analyses were conducted to determine the N2 adsorption-desorption surface area and mesoporous structure with pore sizes ranging from 2 to 50 nm. These NCs showed excellent photocatalytic performance, effectively degrading MO up to 99.00 % in a 3 mL variation, indicating that they could be a great candidate for photocatalytic purification of wastewater containing MO dyes.

Corrosion inhibition performance of protein derived carbon quantum dots as corrosion inhibitors on low carbon steel in sulfuric acid solution

Protein derived carbon quantum dots (PCQDs) were successfully fabricated via a hydrothermal method with shrimp meat as the precursor. Subsequently, their corrosion-inhibiting performance on mild steel (L-steel) in a 0.5 mol/L H2SO4 solution was evaluated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests demonstrated that at a concentration of 250 mg/L, the corrosion inhibition efficiency of PCQDs exceeded 90 %. Potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) tests indicated that when the concentration of PCQDs reached 500 mg/L, the corrosion inhibition efficiency was as high as 97.45 %. Comprehensive characterizations of the PCQDs, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), verified the existence of functional groups such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, and aromatic rings within the PCQDs. These groups are conducive to forming a strong adsorption force on the surface of L-steel and creating a protective layer. Surface morphology analyses carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the surface of L-steel treated with PCQDs was significantly smoother in comparison to untreated samples exposed to acidic conditions. Adsorption studies disclosed a mixed physical and chemical adsorption behavior, and theoretical calculations showed that the N and S atoms in PCQDs preferentially adsorb in a parallel direction. The addition of PCQDs led to a reduction in the diffusion coefficient, indicating that the diffusion of corrosive ions was effectively hindered. The distribution function of PCQDs was 3.48 Å, which suggested that the chemisorption mechanism played a dominant role in the inhibition process.

Exploration of value-added soybean oil cake based carbon quantum dots for in-vitro biomedical applications

Carbon quantum dots (C-dots) enthused the inquisitiveness of investigators in biomedicine due to their distinctive features including minimal toxicity, superior water solubility and biocompatibility. This study uses an environmental friendly hydrothermal approach to create high-fluorescent agricultural residue-derived carbon quantum dots from Soybean Oil Cake (SOC). The synthesized SOCC-Dots were examined by physiochemical techniques such as High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Photoluminescence (PL), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Zeta potential and Raman Spectroscopy. The absorption peak at 275 nm is evident due to the presence of C = O bonds of π→π* transition. The synthesized SOCC-Dots demonstrated the existence of several functional groups OH, C = O, and CO stretching vibration. The particles collected display spherical morphology with an average of 3.25 nm size by HR-TEM analysis spectra. The photoluminescence showed stability against various excitation wavelengths and had a maximum emission peak at 445 nm. Anti-inflammatory activity is tested using a Bovine serum assay displaying significant results of 87.4 % for SOCC-dots at a concentration of 50 µg/mL due to their superior biocompatibility and water solubility. The results of the cytotoxicity evaluation showed an 85 % survival rate among nauplii after 48 h at concentrations of 80 µg/mL, and the antioxidant activity exhibited outstanding performance, achieving an 87 % efficacy rate for SOCC-dots at a concentration of 50 μg/mL

Oral Active Carbon Quantum Dots for Diabetes

Background/Objectives: Metformin (Met), an oral drug used to treat type II diabetes, is known to control blood glucose levels. Metformin carbon quantum dots (MetCQDs) were prepared to enhance the bioavailability and effectiveness of metformin. Several studies have shown that carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have attractive properties like small particle size, high penetrability, low cytotoxicity, and ease of synthesis. CQDs are made from a carbon source, namely, citric acid, and a heteroatom, such as nitrogen. The active molecule can be a carbon source or a heteroatom, as reported here. Methods: This study aims to produce MetCQDs from an active molecule. MetCQDs were successfully produced by microwave-based production methods and characterized. The effect of the MetCQDs was tested in Wistar albino rats following a Streptozocin-induced diabetic model. Results: The results show that the products have a particle size of 9.02 ± 0.04 nm, a zeta potential of −10.4 ± 0.214 mV, and a quantum yield of 15.1 ± 0.045%. Stability studies and spectrophotometric analyses were carried out and the effectiveness of MetCQDs evaluated in diabetic rats. The results show a significant reduction in blood sugar levels (34.1–51.1%) compared to the group receiving only metformin (37.1–55.3%) over a period of 30 to 360 min. Histopathological examinations of the liver tissue indicate improvement in the liver health indicators of the group treated with MetCQDs. Conclusions: Based on these results, the products have potential therapeutic advantages in diabetes management through their increased efficacy and may have reduced side effects compared to the control group.

A novel biomimetic nanovesicle containing caffeic acid-coupled carbon quantum dots for the the treatment of Alzheimer's disease via nasal administration.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive and physical impairment. Neuroinflammation is related to AD, and the misfolding and aggregation of amyloid protein in the brain creates an inflammatory microenvironment. Microglia are the predominant contributors to neuroinflammation, and abnormal activation of microglia induces the release of a large amount of inflammatory factors, promotes neuronal apoptosis, and leads to cognitive impairment. In this study, we used microglial membranes containing caffeic acid-coupled carbon quantum dots to prepare a novel biomimetic nanocapsule (CDs-CA-MGs) for the treatment of AD. The application of CDs-CA-MGs via nasal administration can bypass the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) and directly target the site of inflammation. After treatment with CDs-CA-MGs, AD mice showed reduced inflammation in the brain, decreased neuronal apoptosis, and significantly improved learning and memory abilities. In addition, CDs-CA-MGs affect inflammation-related JAK-STAT and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways in AD mice. CDs-CA-MGs significantly downregulated interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). This finding suggested that CDs-CA-MGs may improve cognitive impairment by modulating inflammatory responses. In conclusion, the use of CDs-CA-MGs provides a possible therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AD.

Determination of sudan III using nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon quantum dots with fluorescence enhancement effect

Sudan III, a synthetic azo dye, is commonly used for coloring oils, waxes, and various plastics. However, its unauthorized presence in food and food products poses serious health hazards, including potential carcinogenic effects. In this study, we investigated the application of nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon quantum dots (N,S-CQDs) as a fluorescence sensor to detect trace amounts of sudan III. When exposed to trace amounts of sudan III, the fluorescence signal of N,S-CQDs was significantly enhanced. Under optimal conditions (pH 5.0 and an incubation time of 4 minutes), the fluorescence enhancement of N,S-CQDs showed a linear relationship with sudan III concentration in the range of 7.5 x 10-10 to 1.0 x 10-8 M, with a limit of detection of 2.0 x 10-10 M (equivalent to 0.07 ppb). The method demonstrated high accuracy (recovery from 91.5% to 103.5%), good reproducibility (RSD &amp;lt; 3.86%), and excellent selectivity for sudan III over other azo dyes. We successfully applied this developed method to analyze sudan III in chili sauce and chili powder samples, cross-checking differences between results less than 10% with LC-MS/MS analysis.

Green synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon quantum dots from almond resin for advanced theranostics in biomedical applications

Fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) are being used in medical applications, particularly in theranostics. These Carbon Quantum Dots have been gaining more attention lately due to their potential as an effective replacement for hazardous synthetic organic dyes in a variety of biomedical applications, including live cell imaging and diagnostics. In this study, highly fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots by one pot microwave based green route with a size of less than 10 nm, was prepared from commercially available almond resin, Prunus dulcis and conjugated with honey as additional reagent for surface functionalization. They exhibit a deep blue emission on excitation at 350 nm with an elevated quantum yield at 61%. They possess atomic nature and basic features such as high photo-stability, varying fluorescence, greater biocompatibility, and better water solubility. These fluorescent labels exhibit faster cellular invagination without disturbing the cell stability. The CQDs present cell imaging capacity with multi-coloration for visualizing the fine architecture of the nucleus naming, the nuclear membrane and nucleolus, which is linked with their varied, surface structures such as amphiphilic property and higher positive charges. These characteristics with minimal invasion have made carbon quantum dots to become the spotlight in theranostics. They can be used as alternatives to synthetic dyes for fluorescence- related cell-imaging. The intriguing fact about this approach is that it opens the possibility of combining therapy and diagnostics into one unit, which can alter how some diseases are handled and, in turn, transform the field of healthcare.

Valorization of nopal wastes to produce quantum dots: optimizing synthesis and exploring in smart textile applications

Quantum carbon dots (QCDs) were efficiently synthesized from post-extraction residues generated during nopal fabric production using a hydrothermal treatment. These QCDs were applied to nopal fabrics, enhancing their UV solar radiation absorption. The synthesized QCDs exhibited fluorescence emissions in the 200–300 nm range. An eco-friendly dispersion was created by incorporating QCDs into TiO2 for use in smart textiles, which underlines our commitment to maintaining a sustainable process. Bright and fluorescent patterns were successfully applied to commercial and nopal fabrics using a spray printing technique. Additionally, the QCDs demonstrated pH-sensitive color changes, paving the way for practical applications. This work represents an initial step towards a circular economy by utilizing residues from nopal fabric production to synthesize quantum dots, which may be employed in smart textiles applications with UV absorption capabilities.