Green synthesis of yeast cell wall-derived carbon quantum dots with multiple biological activities

• Published in: Heliyon Vol. 10; no. 9; p. e29440
• Main Authors: Mirseyed, Pardis Sadat, Arjmand, Sareh, Rahmandoust, Moones, Kheirabadi, Shahpour, Anbarteh, Rojin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 15.05.2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: Carbon quantum dots; Green synthesis; Hydrothermal; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Yeast cell wall; Yeast cell wall; Green synthesis; Carbon quantum dots; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Hydrothermal
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29440

Yeast cell walls are a sustainable biomass source containing carbon and other elements like phosphorus. Converting cell walls into valuable nanomaterials like carbon quantum dots (CQDs) is of interest. Cell walls from Saccharomyces cerevisiae were hydrothermally treated in 0.5 M H2SO4 to produce CQDs. Multiple analytical techniques were utilized to confirm phosphorus-doping (P-CQDs), characterize the fluorescence properties, determine quantum yield, and evaluate the sensing, antimicrobial, photocatalytic, and antioxidant capacities. A successful synthesis of P-CQDs was achieved with strong blue fluorescence under UV excitation, 19 % quantum yield, and excellent stability. The P-CQDs showed sensitive fluorescence quenching in response to ferric ions with a 201 nM detection limit. Antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were demonstrated. P-CQDs also exhibited dye degradation under sunlight and antioxidant activity. So, the prepared P-CQDs displayed promising multifunctional capabilities for metal ion detection, disinfection, and environmental remediation. Further research is required to fully realize and implement the multifunctional potential of P-CQDs in real-world applications. Yeast cell walls were used as a raw material to synthesize CQDs through green synthesis. CQDs were produced by hydrothermal synthesis of dissolved yeast cell walls from Saccharomyces cerevisiae in sulfuric acid. Analytical techniques confirmed complete carbonization and phosphorus doping, forming phosphorus-doped CQDs (P-CQDs) with a consistent structure. The synthesized P-CQDs demonstrated the ability to sense Fe3+ ions, antibacterial activity, antioxidant capacity, and photocatalytic activity. [Display omitted] •P-CQDs were synthesized through green synthesis from yeast cell walls.•Synthesized P-CQDs exhibit robust fluorescence under excitation at 360 nm, with 19 % quantum yield.•Synthesized P-CQDs exhibit antibacterial and antioxidant properties.•P-CQDs' photocatalytic action and Fe3+ sensing make them useful for remediation and bioanalysis.