An in situ prepared photo-luminescent transparent biocompatible hyperbranched epoxy/carbon dot nanocomposite

Abstract

A photo-luminescent transparent biocompatible hyperbranched epoxy/carbon dot nanocomposite was prepared by incorporation of carbon dots during formation of hyperbranched epoxy resin. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized by FTIR, NMR and TEM analyses. The poly(amido-amine) cured nanocomposite exhibited high tensile strength (62.5 MPa), high elongation at break (45%), good thermal stability (291 °C), high transparency and excellent wavelength dependent photoluminescence behavior along with biocompatibility with skin cells. The performance of this nanocomposite was also compared with the pristine hyperbranched epoxy as well as hyperbranched epoxy/carbon dot nanocomposite obtained through an ex situ solution technique. The study revealed that the in situ prepared nanocomposite possessed superior mechanical, optical and biocompatible properties compared to pristine epoxy as well as the ex situ prepared nanocomposite. Thus, the study will significantly contribute to the field of high performance transparent fluorescent polymeric materials used in optoelectronics. Good viability, spreading and proliferation of skin fibroblasts and keratinocyte cells on the nanocomposite suggest it is also a highly potential material for bio-sealant application.