Engineering carbon dots and photosensitizer-conjugated nanocomposites for antibacterial applications synthesis, characterization, and integration into functional biomaterials

Several CDs formulations showed antibacterial potential within concentration ranges that maintained acceptable biocompatibility. <br><br>To enhance light-responsive antibacterial activity, chlorin e6 (Ce6), a photosensitizer, was conjugated with CDs to form CDs-Ce6. Successful conjugation was supported by changes in UV–Vis absorption, fluorescence emission, FTIR spectra, particle size and zeta potential. Under 660 nm light irradiation, CDs-Ce6 exhibited enhanced photodynamic antibacterial activity, which was attributed to reactive oxygen species generation and subsequent bacterial damage. <br><br>Furthermore, CDs and CDs-Ce6 were incorporated into polyacrylamide-based hydrogels and polymeric nanofibers to develop functional material platforms.

These systems were assessed in terms of morphology, swelling, degradation, release behavior, wettability and antibacterial performance. The hydrogel and nanofiber platforms enabled the delivery of CDs or CDs-Ce6 and improved their potential applicability as antibacterial wound dressing materials. In particular, CDs-Ce6-loaded systems demonstrated promising light-activated antibacterial effects. <br><br>Overall, this thesis shows that CDs and CDs-Ce6 can serve as multifunctional antibacterial agents and can be integrated into hydrogel and nanofiber platforms for future wound dressing applications. <br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2029.</i>