Luminescent Carbon dots/Chitosan Nanocomposite for Bioimaging.

Amino-functionalized carbon dots were synthesized by the simple carbonization technique and its unique optical properties were studied. The Ultraviolet - Visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectrum clearly indicated formation of carbon dots. Photoluminescent (PL) studies were performed and the highest intensity in the emission spectra was observed at an excitation wavelength of 280 nm. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrum (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern showed peaks corresponding to chitosan and carbon dots. The external morphology of the as-prepared sample was studied using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) technique from which uniformly distributed spherical morphology of the carbon dots was observed. Since the synthesized nanocomposite exhibits excellent photoluminescent property and superior biocompatibility, it can be used as an efficient material for biomedical applications.