A versatile cellulose nanocrystal‑carbon dots architecture: Preparation and environmental/biological applications

Ruyi Li; Fangyuan Liang; Xianyun Hu; Huiyang Bian; Chao Deng; Farzad Seidi; Baiyang Zhang; Huining Xiao; Yuqian Liu

doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.120073

A versatile cellulose nanocrystal‑carbon dots architecture: Preparation and environmental/biological applications

Carbohydr Polym. 2022 Dec 15:298:120073. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.120073. Epub 2022 Sep 7.

Authors

Ruyi Li¹, Fangyuan Liang¹, Xianyun Hu², Huiyang Bian¹, Chao Deng¹, Farzad Seidi¹, Baiyang Zhang¹, Huining Xiao³, Yuqian Liu⁴

Affiliations

¹ Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources and Joint International Research Lab of Lignocellulosic Functional Materials, College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
² State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medical Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; Qiannan Medical College for Nationalities, Duyun 558000, China.
³ Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B5A3, Canada.
⁴ Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources and Joint International Research Lab of Lignocellulosic Functional Materials, College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China. Electronic address: liuyq@njfu.edu.cn.

PMID: 36241317
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.120073

Abstract

In this work, a versatile cellulose nanocrystal‑carbon dots (CNC-CDs) architecture is prepared and applied in environmental remediation and biological sensing. The citric acid (CA) is employed to extract CNCs and in-situ synthesize blue-emissive CDs. The carboxyl-rich surface of CNC-CDs enables the chelation of Hg²⁺ and fluorescence quenching of CDs, realizing the detection and adsorption of Hg²⁺ with a film comprised of the architecture. The limit of detection (LOD) is measured as 12.8 nM with satisfying retention efficiency. The versatility of CNC-CDs is demonstrated by the fabrication of a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensor using m-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine (TSPP) as FRET acceptor and Fe³⁺ receptor. Fluorescence of the sensor is responsive to Fe³⁺ in a ratiometric manner, which significantly contributes to the visualized and sensitive Fe³⁺ detection (6.9 nM). In combination with excellent biocompatibility, the FRET sensor is capable of imaging intracellular Fe³⁺.

Keywords: Carbon dot; Cellulose nanocrystal; Ferric ion; Fluorescence; Mercury ion.

MeSH terms

Carbon
Cellulose
Citric Acid
Fluorescent Dyes
Mercury*
Nanoparticles*
Quantum Dots*

Substances

Fluorescent Dyes
Citric Acid
Carbon
Cellulose
Mercury