Eleven Precursor-Derived Graphene Quantum Dots with Near-Infrared Emission for Bioimaging
Paul, Himish
Paul, Himish
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2025-05-19
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Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have gained attention in the bioimaging community due to their biocompatibility and the capability of some GQDs to facilitate deeply-penetrating near infra-red (NIR) fluorescence image-tracking. Development of multiple NIR fluorescent GQD structures from a variety of precursors can facilitate their application in multiplex imaging, multianalyte sensing and combination therapy delivery. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of an unprecedented set of 11 distinct GQD structures capable of NIR fluorescence, achieved through a facile microwave-assisted bottom-up synthesis of 11 different materials: ascorbic acid, chitosan, citric acid, dextran, glucose, glucosamine hydrochloride, hyaluronic acid, l-glutamic acid, polyethylene glycol (PEG), sodium cholate, or sodium citrate. All GQD structures exhibit remarkable biocompatibility at concentrations of up to 2.20 mg/mL and can be successfully tracked by their NIR fluorescence in vitro while exhibiting effective cellular internalization in HEK-293 cells . This work provides a unique comprehensive study offering versatility in synthetic approach and physical/chemical properties of biocompatible NIR-emissive GQDs to fit a variety of bioimaging applications.