Green Synthesis of Biocompatible Epigallocatechin Gallate-Derived Carbon Dots for Dual Fluorescent Detection of pH and Fe³.

ABSTRACT: Sensitive and biocompatible fluorescent probes capable of simultaneously detecting pH and Fe³⁺ are crucial for applications in environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and food safety. In this study, we present an environmentally friendly, one-step hydrothermal synthesis of multifunctional carbon dots (ECDs) utilizing epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) as a natural carbon precursor. The synthesized ECDs exhibit pronounced pH-dependent fluorescence quenching over a broad pH spectrum (1.3-13.5), characterized by a sigmoidal response (R ² = 0.9918) and remarkable sensitivity within the physiological range (pH 6-8). The mechanism of pH-induced quenching of ECDs has been verified to be the aggregation of ECDs and surface deprotonation under high-pH conditions.

SUBMITTER: Wu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12903168 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature