One step synthesis of C-dots by microwave mediated caramelization of poly(ethylene glycol)

A rapid, simple and one step microwave mediated method for synthesizing C-dots using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a precursor and passivating agent is reported. The C-dots possessed low cytotoxicity, were amenable to separation by electrophoresis, photostable and entered cancer cells, making them suitable candidates for bioimaging and biolabelling.