Biomolecule-derived Fluorescent Carbon Nanoparticle as Bioimaging Probe

Nanomaterials have broad application potential in biomedical and environmental science. Engineered nanomaterials are required to explore such potential. Among them carbon-based fluorescent nanoparticles offer promising alternative of conventionally used semiconductor nanocrystals, as they do not have heavy metals and associated toxicity issues. We are developing synthetic methods for high quality fluorescent carbon nanoparticle, suitable for biological staining and diagnostics. Here we focus on synthesis of fluorescent carbon nanoparticle from biomolecules, exploiting the conventionally used nucleation-growth conditions for synthesis of high quality nanocrystals such as quantum dot and metal oxides. We have shown that high quality fluorescent carbon nanoparticle can be synthesized from folic acid, riboflavin and lactose and they can be used as non-toxic bio-imaging probe.