Biomass-derived carbon dots enable cold-tolerant, selective disinfection of Staphylococcus aureus in water. (IMAGE)
Caption
This schematic illustrates the synthesis, screening, and antibacterial mechanism of amine-modified carbon dots derived from corn straw biomass. Among the materials tested, TETA-modified carbon dots exhibit the strongest oxidase-like activity and selectively bind to polysaccharide structures on the Staphylococcus aureus cell membrane. This targeted adsorption triggers localized reactive oxygen species generation, membrane disruption, and ion leakage, leading to efficient pathogen inactivation while sparing beneficial and non-target bacteria. The process remains effective at low temperatures (4–25 °C) and in natural waters with mixed microbiota, highlighting a low-dose, biodegradable, and environmentally compatible strategy for precision water disinfection.
Credit
Environmental Science and Ecotechnology
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