Multiple functionalized carbon quantum dots for targeting glioma and tissue imaging

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) was successfully functionalized with Mal-PEG-NHS linked RGERPPR. They exhibit double functions of both tissue imaging and targeting to brain gliomas. The mean size of the functionalized CQDs about 9.0 ± 2.0 nm. The maximum absorption wavelength of the functionalized CQDs appear at 230 nm. The peak of the fluorescence spectra for the functionalized CQDs is at 460 nm, red shifted by 20 nm comparing with the unmodified CQDs. This may be due to the increased particle size. The functionalized CQDs were successfully applied to imaging and targeting gliomas.