Functionalized selenium-doped carbon quantum dots for targeting detection of reactive oxygen species in live cells

Abstract

Selenium doped carbon quantum dots (Se-CQDs) are synthesized by a facile hydrothermal process. The Se-CQDs show narrow size distribution in the range of 3-4 nm, good optical properties, and high sensitivity in detection of various reactive oxygen species (ROS) as revealed by several characterizations. The Se-CQDs are then modified by three kinds of organelle targeting molecules with the aim of targeting detection of ROS in specific organelles. The confocal fluorescence studies on modified Se-CQDs and commercial organelle marker demonstrate the successful targeting detection of ROS in different organelles by our specific modified Se-CQDs.