Bifunctional Carbon Dots Derived From an Anaerobic Bacterium of Porphyromonas gingivalis for Selective Detection of Fe3+ and Bioimaging

In this study, for the first time, Porphyromonas gingivalis, an anaerobic bacterium, was selected to synthesize carbon dots. The achieved P. gingivalis-carbon dots (Pg-CDs) exhibited strong fluorescence and high stability with capability for dual function as Fe3+ sensor and intracellular imaging agent. The detection limit for Fe3+ was as low as 1.85 mu m. On the other hand, the prepared Pg-CDs were an excellent candidate for biosensor with high biocompatibility.

Automated summary

In this study, the anaerobic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis was utilized for the first time to synthesize carbon dots, resulting in Pg-CDs with strong fluorescence and high stability capable of functioning as both an Fe3+ sensor and intracellular imaging agent. The detection limit for Fe3+ was as low as 1.85 μm, and the Pg-CDs showed high biocompatibility, making them an excellent candidate for biosensors.