Rapid synthesis of nontoxic and photostable carbon nanoparticles for bioimaging applications

Abstract In this study, fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) with quantum yield of 6.08% have been synthesized using a hydrothermal method within a short period of time (t = 30 min). Fluorescence spectroscopy (FS) revealed that CNPs demonstrate excellent photostability which is suitable for prolonged bioimaging applications. Cytotoxicity study with L-929 fibroblastic cells showed that prepared CNPs are nontoxic even at relatively high concentrations up to 250 µg/ml. Strong green fluorescence signal observed from L-929 cells suggested that CNPs can be utilized for in-vitro tissues/cells bioimaging applications.