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.