Article 2026 · 0 citations

Hydrothermally synthesized silver-decorated propolis quantum dots: a dual-action antibacterial and antioxidant nanocomposite

Jebril, Ruba, Albayrak, Seyda, Nadaroglu, Hayrunnisa, Adiguzel, Ahmet

Abstract

Propolis carbon quantum dots (PCQDs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were hydrothermally synthesized. The PCQD@Ag nanocomposite was formed by reducing silver nitrate (AgNO3) with sodium citrate. PCQDs and AgNPs were characterized by UV spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). In addition, X-ray diffraction (XRD) was also performed on AgNPs. The antioxidant activities of AgNPs, PCQDs, and PCQDs@AgNPs were also studied. Furthermore, their antibacterial activities were investigated under fluorescent light by comparing bacterial strains isolated from periodontal abscesses. It was observed that PCQDs and AgNPs had dimensions of 8-10 nm and 20-35 nm, respectively, and PCQDs exhibited a strong fluorescence peak around 380 nm. PCQDs were found to be a potent photosensitizer. PCQDs, AgNPs, and PCQD@AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity against periodontal abscess-causing bacteria and demonstrated strong antioxidant activity.

Keywords

Propolis carbon quantum dots Silver nanoparticles Antibacterial activity Antioxidant activity Photodynamic therapy CHEMICAL-REDUCTION GREEN SYNTHESIS NANOPARTICLES

WoS Categories

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Biophysics Chemistry, Physical

Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health and Well-being

Citation

Journal: PHOTOCHEMICAL & PHOTOBIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Year: 2026
Volume: 25
Issue: 2
Pages: 263-275
ISSN: 1474-905X
eISSN: 1474-9092
DOI: 10.1007/s43630-025-00842-4
WoS UID: WOS:001665551700001

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