Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots with Oxidation Stress Protective Effects for Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging on Hepatic Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury

Hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury (HIRI), which is a common pathophysiological process that occurs in hepatectomy, affects the survival and prognosis of patients. In this study, we synthesized chitosan-derived nitrogen-doped carbon dots (CNDs) with reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capabilities and applied them in the prevention of HIRI. CNDs demonstrated scavenging ability against ROS, particularly hydroxyl radicals. Our results show that CNDs can alleviate liver damage in mice, suppress the inflammatory response, and inhibit apoptosis triggered by liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) operation. Mechanistically, CNDs exhibit hepatoprotective effects on I/R injury due to the clearance of ROS. In summary, CNDs protect the liver against ischemia–reperfusion injury by suppressing oxidative stress damage.