Carbon Dots for Forensic Applications: A Critical Review
Owing to their superior fluorescence performance, inexpensive synthesis and nontoxic nature, carbon dots (C-dots) are systematically explored in a variety of applications; in this review, we outline and critically discuss recent trends with respect to their potential exploitation in criminal investi...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2020-08-01
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| Series: | Nanomaterials |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/10/8/1535 |
| _version_ | 1797560217128402944 |
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| author | Amy Verhagen Antonios Kelarakis |
| author_facet | Amy Verhagen Antonios Kelarakis |
| author_sort | Amy Verhagen |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Owing to their superior fluorescence performance, inexpensive synthesis and nontoxic nature, carbon dots (C-dots) are systematically explored in a variety of applications; in this review, we outline and critically discuss recent trends with respect to their potential exploitation in criminal investigation, forensic toxicology and anti-counterfeit interventions. Capitalising on their colour-tuneable behaviour (in the sense that they adopt different colours with respect to the incident radiation), C-dot-based compositions are ideal for the visual enhancement of latent fingerprints, affording improved contrast against multicoloured and patterned backgrounds. As highly sensitive and highly selective optical nanoprobes, C-dots show excellent analytical performance in detecting biological compounds, drugs, explosives, heavy metals and poisonous reactants. In addition, benefiting from their versatile structural and chemical composition, C-dots can be incorporated into ink and polymeric formulations capable of functioning as a new generation of cost-effective barcodes and security nanotags for object authentication and anti-counterfeit applications. Translating these encouraging research outcomes into real-life innovations with significant social and economic impact requires an open, multidisciplinary approach and a close synergy between materials scientists, biologists, forensic investigators and digital engineers. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T17:57:19Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-bca2b2aa87be4449993d941492dbdf4e |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2079-4991 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T17:57:19Z |
| publishDate | 2020-08-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Nanomaterials |
| spelling | doaj.art-bca2b2aa87be4449993d941492dbdf4e2023-11-20T09:10:38ZengMDPI AGNanomaterials2079-49912020-08-01108153510.3390/nano10081535Carbon Dots for Forensic Applications: A Critical ReviewAmy Verhagen0Antonios Kelarakis1UCLan Research Centre for Smart Materials, School of Natural Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UKUCLan Research Centre for Smart Materials, School of Natural Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UKOwing to their superior fluorescence performance, inexpensive synthesis and nontoxic nature, carbon dots (C-dots) are systematically explored in a variety of applications; in this review, we outline and critically discuss recent trends with respect to their potential exploitation in criminal investigation, forensic toxicology and anti-counterfeit interventions. Capitalising on their colour-tuneable behaviour (in the sense that they adopt different colours with respect to the incident radiation), C-dot-based compositions are ideal for the visual enhancement of latent fingerprints, affording improved contrast against multicoloured and patterned backgrounds. As highly sensitive and highly selective optical nanoprobes, C-dots show excellent analytical performance in detecting biological compounds, drugs, explosives, heavy metals and poisonous reactants. In addition, benefiting from their versatile structural and chemical composition, C-dots can be incorporated into ink and polymeric formulations capable of functioning as a new generation of cost-effective barcodes and security nanotags for object authentication and anti-counterfeit applications. Translating these encouraging research outcomes into real-life innovations with significant social and economic impact requires an open, multidisciplinary approach and a close synergy between materials scientists, biologists, forensic investigators and digital engineers.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/10/8/1535carbon dotsfluorescencefingerprintinganti-counterfeitingmolecular sensingdrugs |
| spellingShingle | Amy Verhagen Antonios Kelarakis Carbon Dots for Forensic Applications: A Critical Review Nanomaterials carbon dots fluorescence fingerprinting anti-counterfeiting molecular sensing drugs |
| title | Carbon Dots for Forensic Applications: A Critical Review |
| title_full | Carbon Dots for Forensic Applications: A Critical Review |
| title_fullStr | Carbon Dots for Forensic Applications: A Critical Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Carbon Dots for Forensic Applications: A Critical Review |
| title_short | Carbon Dots for Forensic Applications: A Critical Review |
| title_sort | carbon dots for forensic applications a critical review |
| topic | carbon dots fluorescence fingerprinting anti-counterfeiting molecular sensing drugs |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/10/8/1535 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT amyverhagen carbondotsforforensicapplicationsacriticalreview AT antonioskelarakis carbondotsforforensicapplicationsacriticalreview |