Abstract:
A green luminescent carbon quantum dots were prepared from maltose by Microwave assisted method
followed by passivation with NaOH (pH = 7.4). The TEM measurement confirmed the average size of
prepared carbon quantum dots to be 2 nm. Surface characterization such as XPS, FTIR and Raman
spectroscopy confirm that the functional groups (C=O, C-OH) were attached on the surface of sp2
hybridized carbon. Electrochemical characterization studies on carbon paste electrode (CPE) revealed
that the synthesized carbon quantum dots showed higher electrocatalytic property, conductivity and
surface area. Therefore, herein we report the synthesized carbon quantum dots could find its applicability
as an electrochemical sensor for the detection of neurotransmitter, dopamine. Cyclic voltammetry and
differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed for the detection of DA in presence of common
interferences like UA, and AA with carbon quantum dots modified carbon paste electrode. The developed
sensor was effectively applied for the real sample analysis with satisfactory results. Moreover, biological
studies in He La cell lines proclaimed that the cell viability was unaffected (100% viability) on incubation
with the carbon dots. Significant cellular uptake as revealed by fluorescence imaging makes them
suitable for cell labeling studies.
