2025/10/07 by David Rutherford, Rutherford, David, Markéta Šlapal Bařinková +9
Materials Science · #Advanced Nanomaterials in Catalysis #Biological Physics (physics.bio-ph) #Carbon and Quantum Dots Applications #FOS: Physical sciences
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2510.06454
openalex publication_date 2025/10/07 · openalex created_date 2025/10/18 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are known for their antibacterial properties and ability to inhibit bacteria growth. In the current study, we observed a dopant and concentration-dependency on the antibacterial effect of CQDs. High concentrations of CQDs completely inhibited bacteria growth yet low concentrations enhanced growth. Unlike undoped CQDs, nitrogen-doped CQDs (N-CQDs) enhanced bacteria growth in a concentration-dependant manner and nitrogen/iron co-doped CQDs (Fe/N-CQDs) resulted in growth profiles similar to untreated bacteria. N-CQDs also exhibited the strongest photoluminescence (PL) signal which was quenched by bacteria, and the reduction in the maximum PL intensity was linear over the concentration range tested until saturation. N-CQDs were found to be located around the bacteria cell periphery suggesting intimate interactions. Illumination prior to interaction with bacteria had little influence on these growth effects. Absorbance measurements of colloidal CQD, N-CQD and Fe/N-CQD confirmed long-term stability (7 days). Such materials have potential for incorporation into rapid sensing and diagnostic systems for bacteria detection in liquids for biomedical applications.