A facile, green synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon nanoparticles from oatmeal for cell imaging

Highly photoluminescent carbon nanoparticles with a quantum yield of 37.40% were directly synthesized by a simple hydrothermal treatment of oatmeal in pure water without using any surface passivation and oxidizing agents. Due to the bright fluorescence, high photo-stability, low toxicity and good biocompatibility, the as-prepared carbon nanoparticles are demonstrated to be excellent probes in bio-imaging.