and toxicological evaluation of carbon quantum dots originating from .

Food-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) can relatively easily be synthesized and chemically manipulated for a broad spectrum of biomedical applications. However, their toxicity may hinder their actual use. Here, -derived CQDs ., CQD-1 and CQD-2, were synthesized by means of different shredding methods and followed by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal approach. Subsequently, these CQDs were analyzed and in an mice model to test their biocompatibility and potential use as bioimaging agents and for activation of osteogenic differentiation. When comparing CQD-1 and CQD-2, it was found that CQD-1 exhibited 7.6 times higher photoluminescent (PL) emission intensity around 411 nm compared to CQD-2. Besides, it was found that the size distribution of CQD-1 was 2.05 ± 0.08 nm, compared with 2.14 ± 0.04 nm for CQD-2. Upon exposure to human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) , CQD-1 was endocytosed into the cytoplasm and significantly increased the differentiation of hBMSCs up to 10 μg mL after 7 and 14 days. Apparently, the presence of relatively low doses of CQD-1 showed virtually no toxic or histological effects in the major organs . In contrast, high doses of CQD-1 (1 mg mL) caused cell death ranging from 35% on day 1 to 80% on day 3 post-exposure, and activated the apoptotic machinery and increased lymphocyte aggregates in the liver tissue. In conclusion, -derived CQDs have the potential for biomedical applications in bioimaging and activation of stem cells osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, it is postulated that CQD-1 from remains potential prospective material at appropriate doses and specifications.