Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon nanodots toward bovine hemoglobin: A fluorescence quenching mechanism investigation

Jiajun Wang, Xueqing Xiang, Gesmi Milcovich, Jingru Chen, Chao Chen, Jiuju Feng, Sarah P. Hudson, Xuexiang Weng, Yongming Ruan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A deep understanding of the molecular interactions of carbon nanodots with biomacromolecules is essential for wider applications of carbon nanodots both in vitro and in vivo. Herein, nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots (N,S-CDs) with a quantum yield of 16% were synthesized by a 1-step hydrothermal method. The N,S-CDs exhibited a good dispersion, with a graphite-like structure, along with the fluorescence lifetime of approximately 7.50 ns. Findings showed that the fluorescence of the N,S-CDs was effectively quenched by bovine hemoglobin as a result of the static fluorescence quenching. The mentioned quenching mechanism was investigated by the Stern-Volmer equation, temperature-dependent quenching, and fluorescence lifetime measurements. The binding constants, number of binding sites, and the binding average distance between the energy donor N,S-CDs and acceptor bovine hemoglobin were calculated as well. These findings will provide for valuable insights on the future bioapplications of N,S-CDs.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere2761
Pages (from-to)-
JournalJournal of Molecular Recognition
Volume32
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2019

Keywords

  • bovine hemoglobin
  • fluorescence
  • nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots
  • quenching mechanism

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