Multifunctional Carbon Dots In Situ Confined Hydrogel for Optical Communication, Drug Delivery, pH Sensing, Nanozymatic Activity, and UV Shielding Applications.

ABSTRACT: Inspired by the emerging potential of photoluminescent hydrogels, this work unlocks new avenues for advanced biosensing, bioimaging, and drug delivery applications. Carbon quantum dots (CDs) are deemed particularly promising among various optical dyes, for enhancing polymeric networks with superior physical and chemical properties. This study presents the synthesis of CDs derived from Prunella vulgaris, a natural plant resource, through a single-step hydrothermal process, followed by their uniform integration into hydrogel matrices via an in situ free radical graft polymerization. The resulting CD-integrated hydrogels exhibit multifunctionality in biomedical applications, featuring a diffusion-controlled drug release mechanism, permit concurrent delivery of photoluminescent CDs and therape

SUBMITTER: Marvi PK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11874666 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature