Detection of an oxidative stress metabolite associated with neurodegenerative diseases: effect of heteroatom doped antioxidant carbon dots

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs) are neoteric forms of carbon nanostructures, and play a fundamental role in early diagnosis and controlling of neurological disorders (NDs). Aiming towards the detection of an oxidative stress metabolite, the present study provides an innovative strategy for developing heteroatom-doped carbon dots using tamarind as a sustainable carbon source and urea as a nitrogen dopant through a one-step hydrothermal process. This method offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution without compromising performance. The structural and functional properties of the synthesized CDs were characterized using advanced techniques, including fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Antioxidant assessments revealed remarkable free-radical scavenging activity (exceeding 80% efficiency) across three independent methodologies. Furthermore, the CDs demonstrated exceptional sensitivity and selectivity in detecting oxidative stress metabolites, particularly 3-nitrotyrosine, with detection efficiency influenced by environmental pH (4.8–8.7). Biocompatibility studies using fibroblast cells confirmed their non-toxic nature, supporting their potential for biomedical applications. Collectively, these findings highlight the promise of heteroatom-doped CDs as a novel platform for detecting oxidative stress metabolites associated with neurodegenerative diseases, bridging fundamental research with real-world diagnostic advancements.