Are carbon dots effective for ion sensing and antiviral applications? A state-of-the-art description from synthesis methods to cost evaluation

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs) are versatile nanoparticles with great potential for biological and environmental applications. CDs have unique characteristics such as high photostability, low cytotoxicity, size below 10 nm, rapid synthesis, and easy functionalization. These nanoparticles are promising for the development of fluorescent probes and the inactivation of microorganisms, especially viruses. This review covers several topics involving CDs, including synthesis methods, precursors, characterization techniques, sensitivity mechanisms, fluorescence origin, functionalization, and an overview of applications as nanosensors and virucidal agents. In addition, for the first time an economic analysis of the production of CDs from biomass using the Activity-Based Costing method was suggested. Finally, the main advances, gaps and future directions regarding the CDs were carefully analyzed.

Keywords

• Functionalized nanoparticles
• Carbon dots
• Ion sensing
• Virucidal effect
• Activity-based costing method