Carbon dots with food-compatible molecules for surface functionalization: synthesis, properties, and antimicrobial activities

Carbon dots (CDots) are classically defined as small carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) with effective surface passivation, mostly accomplished by the nanoparticle surface functionalization. Reported here is the use of a small amine molecule diethylenetriamine (DETA) with known food-compatible attributes in the functionalization for DETA-CDots, the first among classical dot samples. The characterization results suggest excellent optical spectroscopic and related properties comparable with those of other more established dot samples. DETA-CDots with visible light exposure are highly effective against Listeria monocytogenes , a major foodborne pathogen. The potent antimicrobial activities coupled with the food-compatible characteristics may prove valuable in food safety related applications.