Film-based carbon nanodots from carrageenan and its effects on heavy metals, dyes, and microbes

• Main Author: Leuterio, Jessa C.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2020
• Subjects: Nanoparticles; Quantum dots; Nanostructured materials; Chemistry
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/5956; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=13010&context=etd_masteral
• Institution: De La Salle University

Carbon nanodots (CNDs) is one of the new excellent carbon nanomaterials, which received a significant interest due to its excellent high fluorescence properties. This study explored the potential of carrageenan (ᴋ-, ɩ-, λ-) as a carbon source for CNDs since it contains sulfate ester groups that might offer different properties. TEM analysis showed the CNDs to have quasi-spherical shapes with average size at 3.8 nm. The CNDs were embedded in the carrageenan film to prevent its aggregation and to increase its stability for various applications. The CNDs embedded in films show different properties compared to bare CNDs in solution as determined by Dynamic Light Scattering, Zeta potential, UV-Vis, Fluorescence, FTIR, and NMR spectroscopies. The films loaded with CNDs were explored for its application in sensing heavy metal, degradation of dyes and antimicrobial activity. Results showed the potential of CNDs in films to selectively detect Cu2+ using digital colorimetric analysis. Its potential use in degrading dyes such as methyl orange and Eriochrome Black T was shown positively. Likewise, quick investigation on its effect in preventing the growth of molds was demonstrated. The study demonstrated the difference of the carrageenan-based CNDs compared to the CNDs prepared from simple sugar and showed its potential application outside the food industry.