Executive Summary : | Carbon dots (CDs) are a promising candidate for luminescent nanomaterials due to their excellent photoluminescence efficiency, low toxicity, biocompatibility, low cost, and simple preparation. Recent discoveries have revealed persistent luminescence properties of CDs. However, there is a need for the development of new carbon dot-based persistent luminescence materials (CDPLMs) for biomedical applications. The objectives of this study include designing and synthesizing CDPLMs from biomass, characterizing and analyzing CDPLMs, and applying them for non-invasive bioimaging, biosensing, and biotherapy. The hypothesis is that persistent luminescence properties are a result of emissions from excited triplet states and processes that stabilize the triplet state at room temperature. The main experiment will involve utilizing biomass to synthesize fluorescent CDs and their matrix encapsulation. The second scheme will focus on enhancing the fluorescent properties of biomass-derived CDs and encapsulating them in the matrix. All synthesized CDs and CDPLMs will be characterized and their photophysical properties will be analyzed. The ultimate goal is to apply these materials for biomedical applications such as bioimaging, biosensing, and biotherapy. |