Naturally Derived Carbon Dots In Situ Confined Self-Healing and Breathable Hydrogel Monolith for Anomalous Diffusion-Driven Phytomedicine Release

Abstract

Fluorescent nanocarbons are well-proficient nanomaterials because of their optical properties and surface engineering. Herein, Apium graveolens-derived carbon dots (ACDs) have been synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal process without using any surplus vigorous chemicals or ligands. ACDs were captured via an in situ gelation reaction to form a semiinterpenetrating polymer network system showing mechanical robustness, fluorescent behavior, and natural adhesivity. ACDs-reinforced hydrogels were tested against robust uniaxial stress, repeated mechanical stretching, thixotropy, low creep, and fast strain recovery, confirming their elastomeric sustainability. Moreover, the room-temperature self-healing behavior was observed for the ACDs-reinforced hydrogels, with a healing efficacy of more than 45%. Water imbibition through hydrogel surfaces was digitally monitored via "breathing" and "accelerated breathing" behaviors. The phytomedicine release from the hydrogels was tuned by the ACDs' microstructure regulatory activity, resulting in better control of the diffusion rate compared to conventional chemical hydrogels. Finally, the phytomedicine-loaded hydrogels were found to be excellent bactericidal materials eradicating more than 85% of Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. The delayed network rupturing, superstretchability, fluorescent self-healing, controlled release, and antibacterial behavior could make this material an excellent alternative to soft biomaterials and soft robotics.

Bioimaging Probes Based on Magneto-Fluorescent Nanoparticles

“…Over the course of the last ten years, research and development efforts have been heavily concentrated on fluorescent NPs [ 37 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ]. These NPs include semiconductor NPs (quantum dots), metal NPs, silica NPs, polymer NPs, and many more [ 52 , 53 , 54 ]. In comparison to traditional fluorescent organic dyes, fluorescent NPs exhibit a more brilliant fluorescence, increased photostability, and enhanced biocompatibility.…”

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Pathways to Photoluminescent Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs)

“…Notably, most of the biomass-derived GQDs have not been represented in the electrochemical sensing appliances with high sensitivity, a void that needs to be filled among the advanced electrochemical devices. Certainly, there is a tremendous future scope in exploring newer “greener” precursors and preferably agricultural residues or wastes that can be deployed for the synthesis of GQDs, which are least burdensome on the environment, thus embracing the sustainability theme [ 249 ].…”

Polydopamine Incorporation Enhances Cell Differentiation and Antibacterial Properties of 3D-Printed Guanosine-Borate Hydrogels for Functional Tissue Regeneration

“…Therefore, supramolecular hydrogels have the ability to remodel, reshape, and adapt to environmental conditions and changes. These dynamic features, such as stimuli responsiveness [ 4 , 5 ], self-healing [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ], and shear thinning [ 10 ], are crucial for a variety of emerging applications including therapeutic delivery [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ], tissue engineering [ 15 , 16 ], and bioimaging [ 17 ].…”

“…Hydrogel-based biomaterials, such as alginate-based hydrogels [ 40 ], gelatin hydrogel microspheres [ 41 ], and nanofiber-reinforced chitosan hydrogels [ 40 ] have been described for tissue regeneration. However, for successful application, such hydrogels need to possess the ability to be formed under physiological conditions and maintain or recover their original form and viscosity when subjected to stress [ 9 ]. Notably, this reassembly capacity is equally essential for the 3D printing of hydrogels, an effective approach for creating customized scaffolds with controlled macro- and microporous structures [ 36 ].…”