Nitrogen-functionalized graphene quantum dot incorporated GelMA microgels as fluorescent 3D-tissue Constructs.

Biopolymer microgels present many opportunities in biomedicine and tissue engineering. To understand their behavior in therapeutic interventions, long-term monitoring is critical, which is usually achieved by incorporating fluorescent materials within the hydrogel matrix. Current research is limited due to issues concerning the biocompatibility and instability of the conventional fluorescent species, which also tend to adversely affect the bio-functionality of the hydrogels.