# Magnetic fluorescent carbon dots synthesized via one-pot approach for tumor photothermal therapy

## TL;DR

Researchers developed magnetic fluorescent carbon dots that can target and destroy tumors using heat, with improved synthesis and fluorescence properties.

## Contribution

A one-step method creates CDs@Fe3O4 with magnetic targeting and fluorescence without quenching.

## Key findings

- CDs@Fe3O4 shows magnetic responsiveness and solid-state fluorescence.
- The PEI linker prevents aggregation-induced fluorescence quenching.
- The material enables efficient tumor ablation under a magnetic field and laser.

## Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs) exhibit low toxicity and excellent biocompatibility, endowing them with great potential in tumor photothermal therapy (PTT). However, existing magnetic-targeting CD composites are plagued by complex synthesis processes and fluorescence quenching issues. In this work, core-shell structured CDs@Fe3O4 is synthesized via a one-step microwave hydrothermal method. It integrates magnetic responsiveness, solid-state fluorescence, and photothermal conversion capabilities—with polyethyleneimine (PEI) acting as a bifunctional linker to bridge Fe3O4 nanoparticles and CDs, forming a puffy cluster structure that mitigates aggregation-induced fluorescence quenching (AIQ) for efficient solid-state emission. Notably, its magnetic property enables enrichment at target sites under external magnetic fields, while its photothermal effect efficiently converts laser energy into heat for tumor ablation. These features highlight CDs@Fe3O4 as a promising magnetically targeted photothermal agent for precision cancer therapy.

•A one-pot microwave hydrothermal method synthesizes core-shell CDs@Fe3O4•Integrates magnetic fluorescent properties; PEI/FRET prevents fluorescence quenching•Magnetic field enhances tumor-site material enrichment for precise tumor PTT ablation•Multi-functional CDs@Fe3O4: good biocompatibility, rapid metabolism, and high safety

A one-pot microwave hydrothermal method synthesizes core-shell CDs@Fe3O4

Integrates magnetic fluorescent properties; PEI/FRET prevents fluorescence quenching

Magnetic field enhances tumor-site material enrichment for precise tumor PTT ablation

Multi-functional CDs@Fe3O4: good biocompatibility, rapid metabolism, and high safety

Nanoparticles; Biological sciences; Bioengineering; Cancer; Materials science; Biomaterials