The art of simplicity: Water-soluble porphyrin-like carbon dots self-assemble into mesmerizing red glow

  • Justin B. Domena
  • , Braulio C.L.B. Ferreira
  • , Jiuyan Chen
  • , M. Bartoli
  • , A. Tagliaferro
  • , Steven Vanni
  • , Regina M. Graham
  • , Roger M. Leblanc

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this new study, we present an intriguing development in the field of theranostics: the simplistic self-assembly of red-emissive amphiphilic porphyrin-like carbon dots (P-CDs). By harnessing their exceptional photophysical properties, we have revealed a strong candidate as the ideal photosensitizer (PS) for applications, particularly in the realm of imaging. Spanning a remarkable size average between 1–4 nm, these particles exhibit both highly stable and unparalleled emission characteristics between 650 and 715 nm in water in comparison to current carbon dots (CDs) available. Lastly, these CDs were fairly non-toxic when tested against normal human cell lines as well as were found to have favorable imaging capabilities in zebrafish embryo.
Original languageEnglish
Article number113719
JournalColloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces
Volume234
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Elsevier B.V.

Funding

Professor Roger Leblanc thanks the support of the National Science Foundation under the grants 1809060 and 2041413. Additionally, we thank the support of the Florida Department of Health under the grant 21LO8. Also, authors gratefully acknowledge the great support from University of Miami, United States.

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Keywords

  • Carbon dots
  • Imaging
  • Porphyrin
  • Red emission
  • Self-assembly

Disciplines

  • Biotechnology
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Chemical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The art of simplicity: Water-soluble porphyrin-like carbon dots self-assemble into mesmerizing red glow'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this