An evaluation of carbon dots derived from Amaranthus tricolor (L.) leaves for their physicochemical, photoluminescent, and biomedical properties

Abstract This study explores the synthesis, characterization, and bio-functional potential of carbon dots (CDs) derived from Amaranthus tricolor (AT-CDs). Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds while quantitative assays revealed a TPC of 157.2 ± 8 mg TAE/g extract and T...

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Main Authors: Sapam Riches Singh, Santosh Mallikarjun Bhavi, Bothe Thokchom, Megha B. Abbigeri, Akshata Choudhari Padti, Akshata Yadawad, B. P. Harini, Chandramohan Govindasamy, Khalid M. Almutairi, Ramesh Babu Yarajarla
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-05-01
Series:Discover Applied Sciences
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-06936-z
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Summary:Abstract This study explores the synthesis, characterization, and bio-functional potential of carbon dots (CDs) derived from Amaranthus tricolor (AT-CDs). Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds while quantitative assays revealed a TPC of 157.2 ± 8 mg TAE/g extract and TFC of 457.4 ± 38 mg quercetin/g extract. AT-CDs exhibited a characteristic UV–Vis absorption peak at 317 nm, with fluorescence spectra showing excitation-dependent emission. FTIR analysis identified presence of key functional groups like –OH, –C = O, and –CN, corroborating the bioactive surface chemistry. DLS indicated a Z-average particle size of 214.4 nm, while zeta potential measurements (67.7 mV) confirmed high colloidal stability. TEM analysis revealed a uniform size distribution with a mean particle size of 3.2 ± 0.02 nm. Antioxidant assays demonstrated IC50 values of 67.36 µg mL−1 for DPPH and 360.65 µg mL−1 for H2O2 scavenging, reflecting concentration-dependent radical neutralization. Coagulation assays showed a significant prolongation of prothrombin time (55 s) and activated partial thromboplastin time (58 s) at 200 µg mL−1, highlighting anticoagulant potential. These findings suggest that AT-CDs, with their multifunctional properties and bioactivity, are promising candidates for biomedical applications, particularly in oxidative stress management, drug delivery, and haemostasis modulation. Graphical abstract
ISSN:3004-9261