Synthesis and properties of carbon quantum dots: Antioxidant, antibacterial and pH response monitoring applications

Abstract

The pH value of a wound during the healing process significantly impacts the speed and quality of healing. Real-time monitoring of the wound's healing status is crucial for doctors to assess infection and healing conditions and provide appropriate treatment plans. The carbon nanoparticles prepared in this study exhibit good fluorescence properties and pH-responsive characteristics, showing a good linear correlation in the pH range of 5.0 to 9.5. They also possess strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties, making them a promising nanomaterial for real-time pH monitoring and the promotion of wound healing.

By increasing the contents of sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) elements, and adding amino and carboxyl group modifications on the surface of carbon nanoparticles, the antioxidant, antibacterial and fluorescence properties of carbon nanoparticles were improved. The antioxidant activity of carbon quantum dots was verified by DPPH method, and the antibacterial mechanism of carbon quantum dots was further investigated by surface charge measurement and in vivo study of mouse infected wound model. The results demonstrate that the carbon quantum dots exhibit excellent antibacterial performance, providing a new approach for the development of wound care materials capable of real-time pH monitoring.