Data from: modifying cellulose fibers with carbon dots: a promising approach for development of antimicrobial fibers

This study focuses on the development of antimicrobial fibers for use in
medical and healthcare textile industries. Carbon dots (CDs) were designed
with boronic acid groups to attach to cellulose fibers found in cotton
textiles and enhance their attachment to glycogens on bacterial surfaces.
Boronic acid- (BACD) and curcumin-based CDs (PBA-CCMCD) were prepared and
characterized using various techniques, showing a nanoscale size and zeta
potential values. The CDs inhibited the growth of both Staphylococcus
epidermidis and Escherichia coli bacteria, with UV-activated CDs
demonstrating improved antibacterial activity. The antimicrobial activity
of the CDs was then tested, revealing strong adherence to the cellulose
paper fibers with no CD diffusion and potent inhibition of bacterial
growth. Cytotoxicity assays on human cell lines showed no toxicity towards
cells at concentrations up to 100 µg/mL, but exhibited increased toxicity
at concentrations exceeding 1000 µg/mL. However, CD-modified cellulose
paper fibers showed no toxicity against human cell lines, highlighting the
antimicrobial properties of the CD-modified cellulose fibers as safe for
human use. The findings show promising potential for applications in both
industrial and clinical settings.