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Fabrication of ultra-small monolayer graphene quantum dots by pyrolysis of trisodium citrate for fluorescent cell imaging

BACKGROUND: The preparation and biological applications of ultra-small graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with accurate-controlled size are of great significance. METHODS: Here in, we report a novel procedure involving pyrolysis of trisodium citrate and subsequent ultrafiltration for fabricating monolayer...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Hong, Guo-Lin, Zhao, Hai-Ling, Deng, Hao-Hua, Yang, Hui-Jing, Peng, Hua-Ping, Liu, Yin-Huan, Chen, Wei
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Dove Medical Press 2018
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6113908/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30197516
http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S168570
Descripción
Sumario:BACKGROUND: The preparation and biological applications of ultra-small graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with accurate-controlled size are of great significance. METHODS: Here in, we report a novel procedure involving pyrolysis of trisodium citrate and subsequent ultrafiltration for fabricating monolayer GQDs with ultra-small lateral size (1.3±0.5 nm). RESULTS: The GQDs exhibit blue photoluminescence with peak position independent of excitation wavelength. The quantum yield of GQDs is measured to be 3.6%, and the average fluorescence lifetime is 2.78 ns. CONCLUSION: Because of high stability and low toxicity, GQDs are demonstrated to be excellent bioimaging agents. The ultra-small GQDs can not only distribute in the cytoplasm but also penetrate into the nuclei. We ensure that this work will add a new dimension to the application of graphene materials for nanomedicine.