Quinoline H2S donor decorated fluorescent carbon dots: visible light responsive H2S nanocarriers

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that the utility of nanocarriers for the transportation of gaseous signalling molecules to their target site in a biological environment is an effective approach. In this work, we have developed for the first time visible light responsive nanocarriers for the effective release of H₂S. Our newly developed nanocarriers for H₂S release are constructed using two main ingredients: fluorescent carbon dots and quinoline as an H₂S donor. The developed nanocarriers provided interesting properties like good solubility under physiological conditions, excellent fluorescence properties and efficient release ability of H₂S with good quantum yield upon visible light irradiation. In vitro studies revealed that our designed nanocarriers exhibited abilities like efficient cellular internalization and good biocompatibility.