Multi-sensing function integrated nitrogen-doped fluorescent carbon dots as the platform toward multi-mode detection and bioimaging

In this work, nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) were successfully utilized as a photoluminescent platform for multi-mode sensing of chromium(VI) [Cr(VI)], 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) and ascorbic acid (AA). The N-CDs with green fluorescent emission were synthesized via one-pot method using p-phenylenediamine and ammonia as precursors. The structure and optical properties were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. Cr(VI) and TNP were able to absorb the excitation band and emission band of N-CDs and decreased the photoluminescence of N-CDs from internal filtration effect (IFE). Besides, the construction of N-CDs/Cr(VI) mixture can implement as a fluorescence platform for further detection of AA on the basis of the oxidation-reduction reactions between Cr(VI) and AA. Meanwhile, as-prepared N-CDs exhibit strong photostability, low toxicity and great biocompatibility. Moreover, the as-fabricated N-CDs have been smoothly achieved bioimaging in SMMC7721 cells owing to its low toxicity. It is prospective that N-CDs can be applied as a rapid multi-function sensing platform to biosensing and biomedical optical imaging.