Green Synthesis of Lutein-Based Carbon Dots Applied for Free-Radical Scavenging within Cells

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body play an important role in various processes. It is well known that harmful high levels of ROS can cause many problems in living organisms in a variety of ways. One effective way to remove intracellular ROS is to use reducing materials that can enter the cell. Herein, we developed a strong reducing carbon nano-dot from a natural product, lutein, as an initial raw material. This is a hydrothermal synthesis method with the advantages of simplicity, high yield, mild reaction conditions, and environmental friendliness. The prepared carbon dots exhibit bright blue fluorescence, and have good water solubility and biocompatibility. In particular, the carbon dots can easily enter the cell and effectively remove ROS. Therefore, the carbon dots are thought to protect cells from oxidative damage by high levels of ROS.

Red Emission Carbon Dots Prepared by 1,4-Diaminonaphthalene for Light-Emitting Diode Application and Metal Ion Detection

“…Compared with traditional semiconductor quantum dots, CDs have good biocompatibility, high photoluminescence quantum yield, low production cost and an environment-friendly synthesis method [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. These characteristics provide CDs with great application potential in the fields of sensors, display lighting equipment and biology [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

Antioxidant Carboxymethyl Chitosan Carbon Dots with Calcium Doping Achieve Ultra-Low Calcium Concentration for Iron-Induced Osteoporosis Treatment by Effectively Enhancing Calcium Bioavailability in Zebrafish

“…Interestingly, when we turn our attention to AOCDs, we find that AOCDs effectively clear iron-induced ROS. It blocks the oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation caused by iron overload and alleviate the OP caused by oxidative damage [ 42 ]. It indicated that oxidative stress was the main reason of iron overload OP.…”

Recent Advances in Carbon Nanodots: A Promising Nanomaterial for Biomedical Applications

“…Physical methods involve arc discharge, plasma treatment and laser ablation [10]. As shown in Figure 2 and Table 1, the methods of preparing CNDs can be classified broadly into top-down or bottom-up syntheses [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Top-down methods generally involve a larger carbon source being fragmented into increasingly smaller particles by using hydrothermal or solvothermal cutting, laser ablation, chemical oxidation releasing or etching, and intercalation.…”