Exploring the Biomedical Potential of Carbon Dots from Banana Peel: An Anti-inflammatory Approach

INTRODUCTION: Carbon-based nanomaterials, specifically carbon dots (CDs), are increasingly being explored for applications in the health sector. The goal of synthesizing CDs is to enhance the therapeutic effectiveness and reduce the toxicity of raw materials. Kepok banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) peel contains higher levels of flavonoids and phenols compared to other types of bananas. Flavonoids play a key role in inhibiting the formation of proinflammatory cytokines, making them effective as anti-inflammatory agents. This study aimed to explore the biomedical applications of banana peel-derived CDs as anti-inflammatory agents. METHODS: This research study utilized both pyrolysis (P-CDs) and hydrothermal (H-CDs) techniques to convert banana peels into CDs. The resulting CDs were tested for anti-inflammatory effectiveness using the carrageenan-induced inflammation model in Wistar rats, with doses of 25 mg/kg body weight (BW), 50 mg/kg BW, and 100 mg/kg BW, and compared to the standard drug, ibuprofen, at a dose of 36 mg/kg BW. RESULTS: Banana peel-derived CDs effectively exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in both preventive and curative modes, as measured by the volume of edema formed and the percentage of inhibition of inflammation in the paws of the rats. This activity was further supported by a decrease in IL- 6 and TNF-α levels in rat serum. DISCUSSION: P-CDs (25 mg/kg BW) showed enhanced preventive anti-inflammatory effects versus H-CDs and ibuprofen, attributed to their optimized surface chemistry and nanoscale properties. Future studies should implement chromatographic purification to address residual precursors detected by FTIR, ensuring clinical-grade reproducibility. CONCLUSION: Banana peel-derived CDs have the potential to serve as an active ingredient for antiinflammatory therapy; however, further studies on their pharmacokinetics are needed in relation to their safety and effectiveness as medicinal materials.