Biomass derived carbon dots from green synthesis to multimodal bioimaging applications.

Authors

Keqi Zhao, Zhenghao Huang, Yasin Abdi Saed, Xiang Sun, Ziliang Zheng

Published in

Discover nano. Volume 21. Issue 1. Jun 24, 2026. Epub Jun 24, 2026.

Abstract

Biomass-derived carbon quantum dots (BCDs) have attracted considerable research attention as a novel category of sustainable fluorescent nanomaterials, attributed to their adjustable photoluminescence, superior biocompatibility, and eco-friendly synthesis methods. BCDs are made from renewable biomass sources like plants, algae, animal byproducts, and microorganisms, following the principles of green chemistry. This makes them much better for the environment and cheaper to make than carbon dots made in the traditional way. The field still has three big problems, though: the luminescence mechanism is still not well understood, with different pathways like carbon-core and surface-state emissions not having a single theoretical framework; optical modulation strategies are still not well developed, with quantum yields often falling below 30% and poor batch-to-batch consistency making it hard to standardize applications; and not enough is known about in vivo metabolic pathways and long-term toxicity to allow for systematic toxicological evaluation and clinical translation. The complex luminescence mechanisms, including carbon-core-state, surface-state, molecular-state, and cross-linked enhanced emission (CEE), are thoroughly examined to clarify the structure-property relationships that dictate their optical behavior. By using controlled synthesis and surface modification techniques, BCDs can be made to emit light in the visible to near-infrared (NIR) range. This makes them perfect for use in different types of multimodal imaging, such as single-photon, multi-photon, and photoacoustic bioimaging. Their natural ability to emit light, along with their low toxicity to cells and high stability in light, makes it possible to see cells and tissues in high detail. We talk more about the problems we are having right now with standardizing synthesis and controlling optical properties with precision. Future research should concentrate on refining reaction conditions and clarifying luminescence mechanisms to promote the clinical application of BCDs as next-generation, sustainable imaging agents.

PMID:
42340548
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 24 Jun 2026.

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