Carbon dots: synthesis via hydrothermal carbonization from renewable sources and their interaction with biological systems

• Grant number: 14/23302-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2015
• End date: August 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Agreement: Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES)
• Principal Investigator: Oswaldo Luiz Alves
• Grantee: Liz Specian de Moraes
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Nanotechnology has drawn the interest of Science and industry due to the wide range of materials and applications that can be developed from nanoscale systems. Recently, carbon dots have emerged as a new class of carbon-based nanomaterials with interesting properties: photoluminescence, chemical inertness, water solubility, resistance to photobleaching, facile functionalization, low toxicity and biocompatibility. These properties enable the potential use of carbon dots in photocatalysis, bio-imaging, sensors, optoelectronics, energy conversion, drug delivery and other applications. Several methods have been developed to prepare carbon dots. Among them, hydrothermal carbonization synthesis presents advantages, such as relatively simple equipments, low energy consumption and use of natural resources as the starting material. This project consists of exploring the use of renewable sources as precursor to synthesis of carbon dots, applying hydrothermal carbonization method. The project also includes the detailed physical-chemical characterization and evaluation of interaction between these carbon-based nanomaterials and cellular biosystems or human fluids, such as blood, using hemolysis and cell internalization tests. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

MORAES, Liz Specian de. Carbon dots: synthesis via hydrothermal carbonization from protein sources and their interaction with biological systems. 2016. Master's Dissertation - Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Química Campinas, SP.