Amino acid assisted synthesis of CDs: a novel paradigm in plant tissue culture media for enhanced cellular effects and biotechnological advancements†

Abstract

We report a green approach to prepare carbon dots (CDs) with fresh tomatoes as carbon sources and amino acids as dopants (ACDs) by a microwave assisted method. The synthesised CDs were analysed by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photo electron spectroscopy. An MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of CDs toward L929 cells and found that CDs exhibit low cytotoxicity. The effects of ACDs on seed germination were evaluated by treating pea seeds with various concentrations of CDs. The results demonstrated a significant increase in germination and seedling vigour compared to untreated controls. Subsequently, the application of ACDs was extended to plant tissue culture. Explants treated with ACDs exhibited enhanced growth and development, indicating improved morphogenesis and proliferation rates. This study highlights the potential of ACDs as an efficient, non-toxic growth promoter in both seed germination and plant tissue culture, paving the way for their application in sustainable agriculture and plant biotechnology.