We have developed a facile route to synthesize GQDs with high PL emission by using starch as a precursor for the first time, and they are successfully applied in cell imaging.
Fabrication of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) often requires strong acids or organic solvents, and their green synthesises on sustainable routes still face challenges. Herein, an eco‐friendly synthetic process has been developed, in which the natural polymer cellulose has been utilized as a new precursor for the first time. The reaction system is only composed of cellulose and water, in absence of any other chemical reagents. Moreover, the products contain only GQDs, carbide precipitates, and water, leading to easy separation and avoiding complicated post‐processes. In addition, the synthetic mechanism is presented that the formation process of GQDs consists of the first hydrolyzation and the following cyclic condensation. With highly photoluminescent (PL) properties, favourable hydrophilicity, low cytotoxicity and excellent biocompatability, the as‐synthesized GQDs have been successfully applied in bioimaging. This work not only develops a sustainable route for the green synthesis of GQDs, but also finds a renewable resource as the raw material, which significantly facilitates the extensive applications of GQDs in biological fields.
The nanochannel (in a porous layer) and ion-channel (in a barrier layer) hybrid structure of anodic alumina is used as a protein-trapping device. The transmembrane potential drives the electromigration of the charged proteins (FITC-labeled) into the nanochannels, but electromigration across the barrier layer is impossible due to the size-exclusion effect. As a result, the proteins can be continuously trapped in the nanochannels.
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