Carbon-dots supported ferrites for teragnostic applications: synthesis and characterization

Novel theranostic tool based of nitrogen-doped carbon dots and ferrite nanoparticles is reported. CDs are sp2 or sp3 hybridized carbon-based particles with sizes in the range of 1-10 nm. The properties that can be used in the medical field are their biocompatibility, high functionalizability, solubility in water, photoluminescence and ease of preparation. FNPs of zinc , nickel, zinc-nickel and bismuth are also prepared. Their properties include cytotoxicity, magnetism, ease of preparation. A simple and effective protocol of conjugation between CDs and FNPs is proposed. CDs-FNPs conjugates are good candidates for imaging and tumor treatment applications such as localized phototherapy, hyperthermia and chemotherapy. CDs are prepared through sonication of the citric acid and p-phenylenediammine precursors. A set of samples with the surfactant polyethylene glycol is also prepared and characterized to study its effect on the final structure of the CDs. A database of CDs treated at different temperatures (250 °C, 350 °C, 450 °C, 550 °C) is created and characterized. FNPs were prepared through solid-state reaction (ZFO, NFO and ZNFO) and solvothermal method (BFO). Full-charaterization of CDs, FNPs and conjugations is performed using Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, fluorimetry and FESEM equipment, showing good reproducibility and reliability.