One-step synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots for imaging bacterial and fungal cells

Abstract

In this work, fluorescent carbon dots (C-dots) were synthesized using a hydrothermal method with Punica granatum (pomegranate) fruits as precursors, and were then used as probes for imaging of bacterial (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungal (Fusarium avenaceum) cells. The C-dots showed a strong emission at 453 nm when excited at 383 nm. Rapid internalization of the C-dots by these cells was confirmed by two color (green and red) images that were obtained using confocal fluorescence microscopy.