Dual functions of metal ion detection and antibacterial activity of sulfur quantum dots

Abstract

The present investigation deliberates the hydrothermal synthesis of PVA-stabilized sulfur quantum dots (SQDs) with promising luminescence properties (quantum yield: 11%) and smaller particles (4.16 ± 1.2 nm) with strong hydrophilicity, improved dispersion, and good photostability. These characteristics allowed the SQDs to detect the heavy metal ions Pb(II) and Bi(III) with detection limits of 0.020 μM and 0.25 μM, respectively, in the concentration range of 0.12 to 50 μM. The proposed method also demonstrated accuracy and precision by encouraging recovery and relative standard deviation percentages with real samples. SQDs were investigated for their potential as an antibacterial agent based on their bactericidal activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at the minimum inhibitory concentration of 566–2265 μg mL⁻¹. After a comprehensive examination, SQDs may be uniquely multifunctional in biomedical and food packaging areas.