Synthesis of multicolor luminescent carbon dots based on carboxymethyl chitosan for cell imaging and wound healing application: In vitro and in vivo studies

The construction of biomaterials that can facilitate wound healing is significantly challenging in the medical field, and bacterial infections increase this complexity. In this study, we selected the biomacromolecule carboxymethyl chitosan as a carbon source and citric acid as an auxiliary carbon source. We prepared carbon quantum dots with multicolor luminescence properties and higher quantum yields (QYs) using a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. We characterized them to select carbon dots (CDs) suitable for cell growth. Subsequently, their biocompatibility with L929 cells, antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, and efficiency in promoting wound healing in vivo were investigated. Our experimental results showed that CDs at an appropriate concentration had excellent bioimaging ability, were suitable for cell growth, and accelerated the healing of infected wounds. We believe these bioactive CDs have great potential in promoting wound healing.