Easy synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon quantum dots from gelatin and their luminescent properties and applications

A simple approach for the synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots (CQDs) has been developed by the hydrothermal treatment of gelatin in the presence only pure water. The as-synthesized CQDs were found to emit blue photoluminescence (PL) with a maximum quantum yield of 31.6%. Meanwhile, the CQDs exhibit excitation-dependent, pH-sensitive and up-converted PL properties. Importantly, these CQDs are demonstrated to be excellent bioimaging agents and fluorescent ink due to their stable emission, well dispersibility, low toxicity, long emission life time, and good compatibility with cells and macromolecules.