Fluorescence Cell Imaging by Carbon Quantum Dots Derived from the Medicinal Plant Malva Sylvestris

Abstract

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) derived from biological samples exhibit low cytotoxicity and are often used as fluorescent agents for bioimaging cells or bacteria. In this study, fluorescent CQDs derived from Malva sylvestris, a wild edible medicinal plant (common mallow), were used to visualize the human epithelial cells (PNT1A). CQDs with strong blue photoluminescence were synthesized by microwave irradiation of dried M. sylvestris in water. CQDs' structural, morphological, surface features and photoluminescence properties were evaluated. In vitro, cytotoxicity assays revealed that carbon quantum dots from M. sylvestris have no cytotoxic effects on human epithelial cells. Non-cytotoxic and high photoluminescent CQDs from M. sylvestris can be exploited in bioimaging applications as a fluorophore agent