Natural occurrence of fluorescent carbon dots in honey. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mandani, Sonam; Dey, Deepa; Sharma, Bhagwati; Sarma, Tridib K.
• Is Part Of: Carbon. Volume 119(2017)
• Page Start: 569
• Page End: 572
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Carbon -- Periodicals; Carbone -- Périodiques; Koolstof; Toepassingen; Electronic journals; 546.681
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2017.04.075
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-6223

Abstract

Abstract: The proliferation of engineered nanoscale architectures possessing unique chemical and physical properties has implications for potential applications and versatility. Identifying these functional materials in naturally occurring systems has environmental relevance leading to the design and manufacture of more sustainable and environmentally benign nanomaterials. Herein, we report the natural occurrence of fluorescent carbon dots in honey, a sweet nutrient made by bees foraging nectars from flowers and traditionally known for its medicinal values. The ubiquitous presence of these carbon nanodots in honey not only adds evidence to the potential of nature's handiwork towards nanoscale materials, but also unveils the astounding possibility of exploitation of natural substances for functional applications. Graphical abstract: