GREEN SYNTHESIS OF CARBON DOTS FROM SOURSOP FRUIT: A NOVEL NANOMATERIAL FOR TARGETED CANCER THERAPY

Abstract

Carbon dots (COs) are emergmg as promising nanomaterials m biomedicine due to their biocompatibility, fluorescence properties, and-ease of surface functionalization. In this study, we present a green and sustainable method for the synthesis of carbon dots derived from soursop fruit (Annona muricata), a tropical plant known for its rich organic content and potential anticancer properties. The carbon dots were synthesized through an eco-friendly hydrothermal process, using the natural carbon sources present in soursop fruit pulp and peel. The resulting carbon dots were characterized for their size, structure, and optical properties, confirming their nanoscale dimensions and strong fluorescent behaviour. The surface modification enabled the functionalization of the COs with targeting ligands, allowing for selective targeting of cancer cells. In vitro studies demonstrated the ability of these soursop-derived carbon dots to enhance drug delivery efficiency, facilitate bioimaging, and exhibit selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. This novel approach of utilizing soursop fruit for the green synthesis of carbon dots offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly platform for developing nanomaterials aimed at cancer therapy. The findings suggest that soursop-derived carbon dots hold great potential for future applications in targeted cancer treatment, bioimaging, and drug delivery systems.

Specification

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRPTION
THE FIELD OF INVENTION (NANOTECHNOLOGY)
The invention relates to the field of nanotechnology, specifically the green synthesis of
carbon-based nanomaterials for biomedical applications. lt focuses on the development
of carbon dots (COs) derived from natural sources, such as soursop fruit, and their use in
targeted cancer therapy, bioimaging, and drug delivery. The invention also covers the
application of eco-friendly methods for producing biocompatible nanomaterials with
therapeutic and diagnostic potential in cancer treatment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Carbon dots (COs) are valuable in cancer treatment due to their biocompatibility and
fluorescent properties, but· traditional synthesis methods involve harmful chemicals. To
create safer and more sustainable alternatives, green synthesis methods using natural
sources have gained attention. Soursop fruit, rich in organic compounds and known for
its anticancer potential, offers an ideal raw material for eco-friendly carbon dot
production. This invention focuses on developing a green synthesis method using soursop
fruit to produce carbon dots for targeted cancer therapy, improving both treatment
efficacy and environmental impact.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a novel method for the green synthesis of carbon dots
(COs) using soursop fruit (Annona muricata) as the carbon source. This eco-friendly
process involves a hydrothermal treatment that converts the fruit's organic content into
carbon dots. The resulting COs exhibit excellent fluorescence· and biocompatibility,
making them suitable for targeted cancer therapy, drug delivery, and bioimaging
applications. The invention further demonstrates that these soursop-derived COs can be
functionalized with targeting molecules to selectively attack cancer cells while
minimizing harm to healthy cells. The process offers a cost-effective, sustainable
alternative to traditional carbon dot production, reducing the use of toxic chemicals and
energy-intensive methods. This innovation has the potential to advance cancer treatment
through a green, nanotechnology-based solution .
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
Specifications
• The carbon dots are synthesized from soursop fruit using a hydrothermal
process, which involves heating the fruit's pulp and peel under high
pressure and temperature in the· presence of water, facilitating the
conversion of organic materials into carbon nanoparticles.
• The resulting carbon dots are characterized using techniques such as
transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and photoluminescence
spectroscopy to confirm their nanoscale size, morphology, a~d fluorescence
properties.
• The carbon dots can be modified with specific targeting ligands to enhance
their selectivity· for cancer cells, enabling improved drug delivery and
bioimaging capabilities.
• In -vitro studies demonstrate the biocompatibility of the soursop-derived
- carbon dots and their selective cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines,showcasing their potential for effective targeted cancer therapy.
DESCRIPTION
This invention focuses on the eco-friendly synthesis of carbon dots (COs) from soursop fruit (Annona
muricata), utilizing a hydrothermal process to convert the fruit's pulp and peel into carbon
nanoparticles. The resulting CDs are characterized for size and fluorescence, demonstrating their
potential as biocompatible fluorescent agents. Functionalization of the carbon dots with targeting
ligands enhances their ability to selectively deliver drugs to cancer cells. In vitro studies confirm their
selective cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines while sparing healthy cells. This sustainable approach
not only promotes green chemistry but also harnesses the medicinal properties of soursop fruit for
targeted cancer therapy, offering a promising alternative in nanotechnology and biomedicine.
We Claim
/· Claim: Collect the pulp and peel off the soursop fruit. They are subjecting the collected material to a
hydrothermal treatment to convert organic compounds into carbon nanoparticles,
1-· Claim: Nanoscale dimensions (less than I 0 nm) and strong fluorescent properties suitable for bioimaging
applications.
3 · Claim: A functionalized carbon dot formulation derived from soursop fruit, wherein the carbon dots are
modified with targeting ligands to enhance selective binding to can<.:er cells.
L,' Claim: Using the functionalized carbon dots for targeted cancer therapy, demonstrating selective
cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines while minimizing toxicity to healthy cells.
5.Claim: The application of the carbon dots produced from soursop fruit as a sustainable and biocompatible
nanomaterial in drug delivery systems and cancer treatment.

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