Catalytic Carbon Dots for Bactericidal Activity Through Enhanced Reactive Oxygen Species Generation

Abstract

Owing to merging antibiotic resistance, the synthesis of novel antibacterial agents becomes increasingly important. Carbon dots (CDs) belong to a new class of carbon-based nanomaterials that have shown great potential in combating emerging and drug-resistant infections due to their unique optical properties, such as excellent biocompatibility and easy surface modification. Herein, light-treated CDs (LCDs) with enhanced antibacterial activity and low drug resistance were synthesized by using a simple one-pot hydrothermal method. LCDs can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under the light-emitting diode light, which kill two pathogenic bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). In addition, in vitro experiments show that the liquid crystal displays excellent biocompatibility. Due to the visible photo-oxidative activity, LCDs can be used as photodynamic therapy agents, providing efficient bactericidal activity. This study provides a simple way to modify CDs that lead to new properties.