Dual-organelle-targeted near-infrared carbon dots for visualizing glucose dynamics in cellular energy metabolism with potential in exercise physiology

synthesis of boronic acid-functionalized near-infrared (NIR) carbon dots (B-OH-CDs) from 1-methylisoquinoline and 4-formylbenzeneboronic acid under green and mild conditions. The resulting B-OH-CDs feature a graphitic carbon core and a borate-rich surface shell, exhibiting excitation-independent red emission (615 nm), high quantum yield (3.2%), and excellent photostability. Abundant boronic acid sites confer selective and sensitive fluorescence responses toward glucose (100 nM-200 µM, detection limit 85 nM). Confocal imaging reveals dual targeting of mitochondria and lysosomes, enabling real-time visualization of intracellular glucose dynamics related to cellular energy metabolism. This sustainable nanoplatform offers a new tool for exploring glucose-dependent metabolic regulation and holds potential for precision monitoring of energy balance, fatigue, and metabolic adaptation in exercise physiology.