Abstract
In spite of tremendous efforts
dedicated to addressing bacterial infections and biofilm formation, the
post-antibiotic ear continues to witness a gap between the established
materials and an easily accessible yet biocompatible antibacterial
reagent. Here we show carbon dots (CDs) synthesized via a single
hydrothermal process can afford promising antibacterial activity that
can be further enhanced by exposure to light. By using citric acid and
polyethyleneimine as the precursors, the photoluminescence CDs can be
produced within one-pot, one-step hydrothermal reaction in only 2 h. The
CDs demonstrate robust antibacterial property against both Gram-positive
and Gram-negative bacteria and, notably, a considerable enhancement of
antibacterial effect can be observed upon photo-irradiation. Mechanistic
insights reveal that the CDs generate singlet oxygen
(1O2) when exposed to light, leading
to an augmented reactive oxygen species level. The approach for
disruption of biofilms and inhibition of biofilm formation by using the
CDs has also been established.
Our findings present a potential solution to combat antibacterial
resistance, and offer a path to reduce dependence on traditional
antibiotics.