Thermo-responsive microgels based on encapsulated carbon quantum dots

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Campos, BB (Author) Other; Mutavdzic, D (Author) Other; Stankovic, M (Author) Other; Radotic, K (Author) Other; Lazaro Martinez, JM (Author) Other; Joaquim C G E Esteves da Silva (Author) FCUP; Contreras Caceres, R (Author) Other; Soledad Pino Gonzalez, MS (Author) Other; Rodriguez Castellon, E (Author) Other; Algarra, M (Author) Other

Journal

Title: New Journal of Chemistry

Vol. 41

Pages: 4835-4842

ISSN: 1144-0546

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 16 Citations

Scopus - 17 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-19C

DOI: 10.1039/c6nj03893j

Abstract (EN): In this work carbon quantum dot (CQD) nanoparticles are synthesized from D-lactose using a hydrothermal method and then they are coated with polyethylene glycol (CQDs@PEG). These particles exhibit a monodisperse spherical morphology with an average particle size of similar to 4 nm. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed the presence of the hydroxyl groups from the ethylene glycol molecules grafted onto the CQDs' surfaces, which confirms that PEG was covalently attached to the nanoparticles' surfaces. Fluorescence analysis demonstrates a shift in the emission at 495 nm after PEG coating. Modified carbon dots were introduced into thermo-responsive pNIPAM microgels. The resultant pNIPAM-CQDs@PEG hybrid system exhibits interesting fluorescence properties. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fluorescence microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy confirm the incorporation of CQD particles into the microgels. Finally, dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis confirms that further hybrid microgels based on pNIPAM are thermo-responsive, with a transition temperature similar to that of a system with an ionic component.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8