Bifunctional P-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots as Fluorometric Probes for Detection of Fe3+ and Its Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

In this research, P-CDs were compounded based on Hedyotis Diffusa Willd by using a hydrothermal method of which the morphology, chemical composition, and optical properties were characterized. The P-doped CDs exhibited effective antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Strong electrostatic interactions between negatively charged bacteria and positively charged P-CDs, and the production of H₂O₂ by P-CDs were thought to be responsible for bacterial death. Moreover, the P-CDs showed a remarkable fluorescent property with an excellent scope for detecting metal ion. The P-CDs exhibited sensitive response to Fe³⁺ in a broad linear range from 0.001 µM to 0.01 µM with a limit of detection of 4.43 × 10⁻³ µM. This study developed an affordable and environmentally friendly carbon dot as a valid antibacterial agent and an effective fluorescent sensor.