GREEN SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CARBON DOTS FOR EVALUATION OF THEIR ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES

Abstract

In recent years, carbon dots (CDs) have garnered considerable attention as a promising material for biomedical applications because of their unique optical and biological properties. In this study, an eco-friendly, cost-effective and fast microwave method of preparation of carbon dots was employed. Stable C-dots were prepared from organic waste of Peels of Galgal (Citrus pseudolimon), Peels of Malta (Citrus sinensis), Leaves of Pineapple (Ananas comosus) & Leaves of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) which is an economical source for the production of fluorescent carbon dots (C-dots). The development of a reddish-brown solution and blue fluorescence under UV light demonstrated the successful green synthesis of carbon dots. The generation of spherical, surface-functionalized carbon dots with average particle sizes ranging from 51.863 to 75.380 nm and unique optical properties was confirmed by UV-Vis, FTIR, HRTEM, FESEM, and fluorescence investigations. The different biological applications of C-dots such as anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus & Escherichia coli and anti-fungal activity against Candida tropicalis & Aspergillus niger were evaluated. The synthesized carbon dots displayed specific antibacterial and antifungal properties, underlining their potential for biological and antimicrobial applications.