Advances in Shell and Core Engineering of Carbonized Polymer Dots for Enhanced Applications.

ConspectusCarbon dots (CDs), as a novel type of fluorescent nanocarbon material, attract widespread attention in nanomedicine, optoelectronic devices, and energy conversion/storage due to their excellent optical properties, low toxicity, and high stability. They can be classified as graphene quantum dots, carbon quantum dots, and carbonized polymer dots (CPDs). Among these, CPDs exhibit tunable structures and components that allow fine-tuning of their optoelectronic properties, making them one of the most popular types of CDs in recent years. However, the structural complexity of CPDs stimulates deep exploration of the relationship between their unique structure and luminescent performance. As an organic-inorganic hybrid system, the diversity of self-limited quantum state carbon cores and polymer-hybrid shell layers makes understanding the underlying mechanisms and structure-property relationships in CPDs a very challenging task. In this context, elucidating the structural composition of CPDs and the factors that affect their optical properties is vital if the enormous potential of CPDs is to be realized. Achieving controllable structures with predefined optical properties via the adoption of specific functionalization strategies is the prized goal of current researchers in the field.In this Account, we describe the efforts made by our group in the synthesis, mechanism analysis, structural regulation, and functional applications of CPDs, with particular emphasis on the design of CPDs core-shell structures with tailored optoelectronic properties for applications in the fields of optoelectronics and energy. Specifically, through the rational selection of precursors, optimization of reaction conditions, and postmodification strategies for CPDs, we have demonstrated that it is possible to regulate both the carbon core and polymer shell layers, thereby achieving full-spectrum emission, high quantum yield, persistent luminescence, thermally activated delayed fluorescence, and laser action in CPDs. Furthermore, we have established structure-performance relationship in CPDs and proposed a universal strategy for synergistic interactions between hybrid carbon-based cores and surface micronanostructures. In addition, we unveiled a novel luminescence mechanism in cross-linked CPDs, specifically "cross-linking synergistically inducing quantum-state luminescence", which addresses the challenge of efficient circularly polarized luminescence in the liquid and solid phases of CPDs. Subsequently, strong cross-linking, dual-rigidity, and ordering preparation methods were introduced, thereby pioneering tunable laser emission from blue to near-infrared wavelengths. Additionally, we developed a new strategy of "confined composite nanocrystals of CPDs", leading to various high-performance hydrogen evolution catalysts for water electrolysis. The CPDs developed by this strategy not only possessed excellent optical properties but also enabled high efficiencies in field of energy conversion, thus maximizing the utilization of CPDs. Finally, we discuss important new trends in CPD research and development. Overall, this Account summarizes the latest advancements in CPDs in recent years, providing case-studies that enable deep understanding of structure-property-performance relationships and regulation strategies in CPDs, guiding the future expansion and application of CPDs.

Preferred Orientation and Phase Distribution of Quasi-2D Perovskite for Bifunctional Light-Emitting Photodetectors.

In traditional optical wireless communication (OWC) systems, the simultaneous use of multiple sets of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photodetectors (PDs) increases the system complexity and instability. Here we report bifunctional light-emitting photodetectors (LEPDs) fabricated with quasi-2D perovskite (F-PEA)2Cs4Pb5I11Br5 as light-emitting/detecting layers for efficient, miniaturized, and intelligent bidirectional OWC. By simply changing the solvent composition of the precursor solution and using antisolvent engineering, we manipulated the crystal orientation and phase distribution of (F-PEA)2Cs4Pb5I11Br5, realizing high irradiance (4.36 µW cm-2) and a -3 dB refresh rate (0.21 MHz) of electroluminescence in LED mode as well as low noise (below 1 pA Hz-1/2) and high responsivity (0.1 A W-1) in PD mode. The rapid and accurate OWC process was demonstrated through interaction of LEPDs. We also demonstrated the high-fidelity compression and digitization of high-resolution (256 × 256 pixels) color images using the four-step phase shift method to realize intelligent encrypted image OWC.

Neural Network Enables High Accuracy for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Detection with a Plasmonic Platform.

The detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is critical in diagnosing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, existing clinical detection technologies inevitably cause certain inaccuracies, leading to delayed or unwarranted treatment. Here, we introduce a label-free plasmonic biosensing method based on the thickness-sensitive plasmonic coupling, combined with supervised deep learning (DL) using neural networks. The strategy of utilizing neural networks to process output data can reduce the limit of detection (LOD) of the sensor and significantly improve the accuracy (from 93.1%-97.4% to 99%-99.6%). Compared with widely used emerging clinical technologies, our platform achieves accurate decisions with higher sensitivity in a short assay time (∼30 min). The integration of DL models considerably simplifies the readout procedure, resulting in a substantial decrease in processing time. Our findings offer a promising avenue for developing high-precision molecular detection tools for point-of-care (POC) applications.

Overcoming the EQE × Li-Fi Frequency Constraint by Modulating the PbS CQDs Distribution in Perovskite Film.

Advanced photodetectors are crucial for high-fidelity optical communication. However, the tradeoff between high external quantum efficiency (EQE) and high light fidelity (Li-Fi) frequency often limits data transmission accuracy and timeliness. Here, we report a photodetector consisting of lead sulfide (PbS) colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) with near-infrared responsiveness and perovskite frameworks responsible for the charge transport to overcome the EQE × Li-Fi constraint. Optimizing the PbS CQDs distribution and trap depth in the perovskite layer enhances charge injection, achieving a device gain of 11892% for 1200 nm photons and a response frequency of 24 kHz at -2 V. The device exhibits a record EQE × Li-Fi frequency product of 106 Hz. We have applied the detector to near-infrared optical communications at a data transfer rate of 2000 bits per second (2 kbps) to demonstrate the advances in high fidelity, the device retains over 98% of the original waveform information in its output.

Oriented Alignment of CsPbBr3 Single-Crystal Arrays for Flexible X-ray Imaging.

The utilization of perovskite materials in flexible optoelectronics is experiencing distinct diversification including X-ray detection applications. Here, we report the oriented alignment of cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) single-crystal arrays on flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates. By precisely confining the crystallization process within spatially delimited precursor droplets, we achieve a well-oriented crystal alignment through the spontaneous rotation of the CsPbBr3 microcuboids. This approach allows for precise control over the microcuboid morphologies by varying the growth temperature. We design flexible X-ray detector arrays by seamlessly integrating CsPbBr3 microcuboids with electrode arrays. The flexible X-ray detector can output a high sensitivity of 1.97 × 105 µC·Gyair-1·cm-2 and a low detection limit of 89 nGyair·s-1 after the surface passivation process. The excellent mechanical properties, outstanding X-ray detection capabilities, and high pixel uniformity are also demonstrated in conformal X-ray imaging of curved surfaces.

Solvent-Reconstructed Interface That Enhances Light Out-Coupling in Quasi-Two-Dimensional Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes.

Light management is critical to maximizing the external quantum efficiency of perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs), but strategies for enhancing light out-coupling are typically complex and expensive. Here, using a facile solvent treatment strategy, we create a layer of lithium fluoride (LiF) nanoislands that serve as a template to reconstruct the light-extracting interfaces for PeLEDs. The nanoisland interface rearranges the near-field light distribution in order to maximize the efficiency of internal light extraction. With the proper adjustment of the nanoisland size and distribution, we have achieved an optimal balance between charge injection and light out-coupling, resulting in bright, pure-red quasi-two-dimensional PeLEDs with a 21.8% peak external quantum efficiency.

Water-Stable and Sensitive X-ray Detectors by Supramolecular Interaction-Enhanced Polyoxometalates.

Polyoxometalates (POMs) have shown prominence in the field of semiconductive materials in recent years. However, electronic applications based on these emerging materials are still in their early stages. Here, a sensitive and water-stable F-PEA-ZnW12 X-ray detector has been designed and constructed for hard X-ray detection and imaging. Supramolecular interactions of H···O bonding, electrostatic, and anion-π interactions not only enable FPEA-ZnW12 excellent water stability but also shorten the distance between [ZnW12O40]6- clusters, which reduces ion migration and dark current simultaneously, resulting in the conductivity of 3.2 × 10-11 S cm-1. Furthermore, the heteropoly blue formed on the surface of the O-FPEA-ZnW12 wafer device promotes the effective separation and extraction of X-ray-induced carriers, enhancing the sensitivity for X-ray detection. The R/O-FEPA-ZnW12 wafer device yields a high sensitivity of 3.1 × 104 µC Gyair-1 cm-2 with the lowest detectable dose rate of 69 nGyair s-1 under 120 kV hard X-ray irradiation. In addition, the O-FPEA-ZnW12 wafer detector exhibits the potential for X-ray detection in water with a sensitivity of 1.0 × 104 µC Gyair-1 cm-2. Moreover, the fabricated POM X-ray detector shows excellent X-ray imaging capability and long-term operational stability without any attenuation of 1 year exposure to air without any encapsulation.

Structures of the ADGRG2-Gs complex in apo and ligand-bound forms.

Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors are elusive in terms of their structural information and ligands. Here, we solved the cryogenic-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of apo-ADGRG2, an essential membrane receptor for maintaining male fertility, in complex with a Gs trimer. Whereas the formations of two kinks were determinants of the active state, identification of a potential ligand-binding pocket in ADGRG2 facilitated the screening and identification of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and deoxycorticosterone as potential ligands of ADGRG2. The cryo-EM structures of DHEA-ADGRG2-Gs provided interaction details for DHEA within the seven transmembrane domains of ADGRG2. Collectively, our data provide a structural basis for the activation and signaling of ADGRG2, as well as characterization of steroid hormones as ADGRG2 ligands, which might be used as useful tools for further functional studies of the orphan ADGRG2.

Nanocomposite Hydrogel Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting of Tumor Models.

In vitro tumor models were successfully constructed by 3D bioprinting; however, bioinks with proper viscosity, good biocompatibility, and tunable biophysical and biochemical properties are highly desirable for tumor models that closely recapitulated the main features of native tumors. Here, we developed a nanocomposite hydrogel bioink that was used to construct ovarian and colon cancer models by 3D bioprinting. The nanocomposite bioink was composed of aldehyde-modified cellulose nanocrystals (aCNCs), aldehyde-modified hyaluronic acid (aHA), and gelatin. The hydrogels possessed tunable gelation time, mechanical properties, and printability by controlling the ratio between aCNCs and gelatin. In addition, ovarian and colorectal cancer cells embedded in hydrogels showed high survival rates and rapid growth. By the combination of 3D bioprinting, ovarian and colorectal tumor models were constructed in vitro and used for drug screening. The results showed that gemcitabine had therapeutic effects on ovarian tumor cells. However, the ovarian tumor model showed drug resistance for oxaliplatin treatment.

"All in one" nanoprobe Au-TTF-1 for target FL/CT bioimaging, machine learning technology and imaging-guided photothermal therapy against lung adenocarcinoma.

The accurate preoperative diagnosis and tracking of lung adenocarcinoma is hindered by non-targeting and diffusion of dyes used for marking tumors. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop a practical nanoprobe for tracing lung adenocarcinoma precisely even treating them noninvasively. Herein, Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) conjugate with thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) antibody, then multifunctional nanoprobe Au-TTF-1 is designed and synthesized, which underscores the paramount importance of advancing the machine learning diagnosis and bioimaging-guided treatment of lung adenocarcinoma. Bright fluorescence (FL) and strong CT signal of Au-TTF-1 set the stage for tracking. Furthermore, the high specificity of TTF-1 antibody facilitates selective targeting of lung adenocarcinoma cells as compared to common lung epithelial cells, so machine learning software Lung adenocarcinoma auxiliary detection system was designed, which combined with Au-TTF-1 to assist the intelligent recognition of lung adenocarcinoma jointly. Besides, Au-TTF-1 not only contributes to intuitive and targeted visualization, but also guides the following noninvasive photothermal treatment. The boundaries of tumor are light up by Au-TTF-1 for navigation, it penetrates into tumor and implements noninvasive photothermal treatment, resulting in ablating tumors in vivo locally. Above all, Au-TTF-1 serves as a key platform for target bio-imaging navigation, machine learning diagnosis and synergistic PTT as a single nanoprobe, which demonstrates attractive performance on lung adenocarcinoma.

Efficacy of Daiwenjiu ointment on the treatment of cervical spondylosis with nerve root type caused by cold dampness obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of Daiwenjiu ointment in the treatment of cervical spondylosis with cold dampness obstruction nerve root type. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 110 patients diagnosed with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Based on the treatment method, the patients were divided into two groups. The control group received electroacupuncture treatment, while the observation group received a combination of Daiwenjiu ointment and electroacupuncture treatment. The outcome measures included Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores for cervical spine function, Simplified McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) scores, and changes in serum inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1ß. RESULTS: Following treatment, the JOA score in the observation group increased from 9.45 ± 1.35 to 14.82 ± 1.29 after treatment, indicating better recovery of cervical spine function compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The SF-MPQ score in the observation group decreased to 18.25 ± 3.80 after treatment, while it remained at 30.20 ± 4.30 in the control group. This difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the observation group demonstrated a significant decrease in serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß after treatment compared to the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Daiwenjiu ointment exhibits significant therapeutic effects in patients with cold dampness obstruction nerve root type cervical spondylosis. It effectively improves cervical function, reduces pain, and downregulates inflammatory cytokine levels.

Downregulation of interleukin 11 regulates the transforming growth factor-ß/ERK1/2 signaling pathway to inhibit articular capsule fibrosis and alleviate post-traumatic articular capsule contracture.

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic capsular contracture is a common complication of joint injury and surgery. Post-traumatic capsular contracture is associated with fibrosis characterized by excessive differentiation and proliferation of myofibroblasts and abnormal secretion and accumulation of extracellular matrix. Previous studies have suggested that interleukin 11 (IL11) plays a role in myocardial fibrosis. We thus hypothesized that IL11 may play a fibrotic role during capsular contracture, in order to discover new targets for preventing joint capsule contracture. METHODS: We constructed a post-traumatic contracture model by excessively extending the knee joint and fixing the joint in the flexion position, and a post-traumatic joint capsule contracture model was constructed in the wild-type, IL11-/-, IL11 R -/-, α-SMA-cre-IL11fl/fl, α-SMA-cre-IL11Rfl/fl mouse strain, with wild-type mice without any treatment of the knee joint as the control group. Fibrotic markers and the expression of IL11 and IL11 R in knee joint tissue were detected in each group of mice. The NIH3T3 cell line was used for in vitro analyses. The expression of fibrosis markers, IL11, transforming growth factor-ß, and ERK1/2 were detected by western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Inhibition of IL11 inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation, reduced the secretion of collagen in the joint capsule, and inhibited the excessive differentiation and proliferation of myofibroblasts in the post-traumatic joint capsule contracture, thus alleviating the joint capsule contracture and obtaining better joint mobility. CONCLUSION: Downregulation of IL11 in traumatic joint capsule contracture inhibits ERK1/2 phosphorylation, thus significantly relieving joint capsule contracture. Our findings indicate the transforming growth factor-ß/IL11/ERK1/2 axis is an important pathway for the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Anti-IL11 treatment is an effective means to prevent traumatic joint capsule contracture.

Three-Dimensional Histological Electrophoresis for High-Throughput Cancer Margin Detection in Multiple Types of Tumor Specimens.

Accurate identification of tumor margins during cancer surgeries relies on a rapid detection technique that can perform high-throughput detection of multiple suspected tumor lesions at the same time. Unfortunately, the conventional histopathological analysis of frozen tissue sections, which is considered the gold standard, often demonstrates considerable variability, especially in many regions without adequate access to trained pathologists. Therefore, there is a clinical need for a multitumor-suitable complementary tool that can accurately and high-throughput assess tumor margins in every direction within the surgically resected tissue. We herein describe a high-throughput three-dimensional (3D) histological electrophoresis device that uses tumor-specific proteins to identify and contour tumor margins intraoperatively. Testing on seven cell-line xenograft models and human cervical cancer models (representing five types of tissues) demonstrated the high-throughput detection utility of this approach. We anticipate that the 3D histological electrophoresis device will improve the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosing a wide range of cancers.

Naked-Eye Readable Microarray for Rapid Profiling of Antibodies against Multiple SARS-CoV-2 Variants.

Novel high-throughput protein detection technologies are critically needed for population-based large-scale SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection as well as for monitoring quality and duration of immunity against virus variants. Current protein microarray techniques rely heavily on labeled transduction methods that require sophisticated instruments and complex operations, limiting their clinical potential, particularly for point-of-care (POC) applications. Here, we developed a label-free and naked-eye readable microarray (NRM) based on a thickness-sensing plasmon ruler, enabling antibody profiling within 30 min. The NRM chips provide 100% accuracy for neutralizing antibody detection by efficiently screening antigen types and experimental conditions and allow for the profiling of antibodies against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants in clinical samples. We further established a flexible "barcode" NRM assay with a simple tape-based operation, enabling an effective smartphone-based readout and analysis. These results demonstrate new strategies for high-throughput protein detection and highlight the potential of novel protein microarray techniques for realistic clinical applications.

Enabling Carbonized Polymer Dots with Color-tunable Time-dependent Room Temperature Phosphorescence through Confining Carboxyl Dimer Association.

Developing a facile strategy to realize fine-tuning of phosphorescence color in time-dependent room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials is essential but both theoretically and practically rarely exploited. Through simultaneously confining carboxyl dimer association and isolated carboxyl into the particle via a simple hydrothermal treatment of polyacrylic acid, a dual-peak emission of red phosphorescence (645 nm) and green phosphorescence (550 nm) was observed from carbonized polymer dots (CPDs). The ratio of the two luminescent species can be well regulated by hydrochloric acid inhibiting the dissociation of carboxyl to promote hydrogen bond. Due to comparable but different lifetimes, color-tunable time-dependent RTP with color changing from yellow to green or orange to green were obtained. Based on the crosslinking enhanced emission effect, the phosphorescence visible time was even extended to 7 s through introducing polyethylenimide. This study not only proposes a novel and facile method for developing CPDs with color-tunable time-dependent RTP, but also provides a bran-new non-conjugated red phosphorescence unit and its definite structure.

Crosslink-Enhanced Emission-Dominated Design Strategy for Constructing Self-Protective Carbonized Polymer Dots with Near-Infrared Room-Temperature Phosphorescence.

Self-protective carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) with advantageous crosslinked nano-structures have attracted considerable attention in metal-free room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials, whereas, their RTP emissions are still limited to short wavelength. Expanding their RTP emission to Near-Infrared (NIR) range is attractive but suffers from the difficulties in constructing narrow energy levels and inhibiting intense nonradiative decay. Herein, a crosslink-enhanced emission (CEE)-dominated construction strategy was proposed, achieving desired NIR RTP (710 nm) in self-protective CPDs for the first time. Structural factors, i.e.，crosslinking (covalent-bond CEE), conjugation (conjugated amine with bridging N-H and C=C group), and steric hindrance (confined-domain CEE), were confirmed indispensable for triggering NIR RTP emission in CPDs. Contrast experiments and theoretical calculations further revealed the rationality of the design strategy originating from CEE in terms of promoting the narrow energy level emission of triplet excitons and inhibiting the nonradiative quenching. This work not only firstly achieves NIR RTP in self-protective CPDs, but also helps understand the NIR RTP origin to further guide the synthesis of diverse CPDs with efficient long-wavelength RTP emission.

The Formation Mechanism of Carbonized Polymer Dots: Crosslinking-Induced Nucleation and Carbonization.

Carbon dots (CDs), as a kind of zero-dimensional nanomaterials, have been widely synthesized by bottom-up methods from various precursors. However, the formation mechanism is still unclear and controversial, which also brings difficulty to the regulation of structures and properties. Only some tentative formation processes were postulated by analyzing the products obtained at different reaction times and temperatures. Here, the effect of crosslinking on the formation of carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) is explored. Crosslinking-induced nucleation and carbonization (CINC) is proposed as the driving force for the formation of CPDs. Under hydrothermal synthesis, the precursors are initiated to polymerize and crosslink. The crosslinking brings higher hydrophobicity to generate the hydrophilic/hydrophobic microphase separation, which promotes dehydration and carbonization resulting in the formation of CPDs. Based on the principle of CINC, the influence factors of size are also revealed. Moreover, the dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulation is employed to support this formation mechanism. This concept of CINC will bring light to the formation process of CPDs, as well as facilitate the regulation of CPDs' size and photoluminescence.

Carbonized Polymer Dots Assemble in Proton-Conducting Channels to Enhance the Conductivity and Selectivity Simultaneously for High-Performance Fuel Cells.

Fabricating polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) simultaneously with high ion conductivity and selectivity has always been an ultimate goal in many membrane-integrated systems for energy conversion and storage. Constructing broader ion-conducting channels usually enables high-efficient ion conductivity while often bringing increased crossover of other ions or molecules simultaneously, resulting in decreased selectivity. Here, the ultra-small carbon dots (CDs) with the selective barriers are self-assembled within proton-conducting channels of PEMs through electrostatic interaction to enhance the proton conductivity and selectivity simultaneously. The functional CDs regulate the nanophase separation of PEMs and optimize the hydration proton network enabling higher-efficient proton transport. Meanwhile, the CDs within proton-conducting channels prevent fuel from permeating selectively due to their repelling and spatial hindrance against fuel molecules, resulting in highly enhanced selectivity. Benefiting from the improved conductivity and selectivity, the open-circuit voltage and maximum power density of the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) equipped with the hybrid membranes raised by 23% and 93%, respectively. This work brings new insight to optimize polymer membranes for efficient and selective transport of ions or small molecules, solving the trade-off of conductivity and selectivity.

Molecular Structure and Properties of Sulfur-Containing High Refractive Index Polymer Optical Materials.

High refractive index polymers (HRIPs) are widely used in lenses, waveguide, antireflective layer and encapsulators, especially the advanced fields of augmented/virtual reality (AR / VR) holographic technology and photoresist for chip manufacturing. In order to meet the needs of different applications, the development of HRIPs focuses not only on the increase in refractive index but also on the balance of other properties. Sulfur-containing high refractive index polymers have received extensive attention from researchers due to their excellent properties. In recent years, not only ultrahigh refractive index sulfur-containing polymers have been continuously developed, but also low dispersion, low birefringence, high transparency, good mechanical properties, and machinability have been studied. The design of HRIPs is generally based on formulas and existing experience. In fact, molecular structure and properties are closely related. Mastering the structure-property relationship helps researchers to develop high refractive index polymer materials with balanced properties. This review briefly introduces the preparation methods of sulfur-containing high refractive index polymers, and summarizes the structure-property relationship between the sulfur-containing molecular structure and optical properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties, etc. Finally, the important role of synergistic effect in the synthesis of HRIPs and the prospect of future research on HRIPs are proposed.

Carbon nanodots constructed by ginsenosides and their high inhibitory effect on neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Neuroblastoma is one of the common extracranial tumors in children (infants to 2 years), accounting for 8 ~ 10% of all malignant tumors. Few special drugs have been used for clinical treatment currently. RESULTS: In this work, herbal extract ginsenosides were used to synthesize fluorescent ginsenosides carbon nanodots via a one-step hydrothermal method. At a low cocultured concentration (50 µg·mL- 1) of ginsenosides carbon nanodots, the inhibition rate and apoptosis rate of SH-SY5Y cells reached ~ 45.00% and ~ 59.66%. The in vivo experiments showed tumor volume and weight of mice in ginsenosides carbon nanodots group were ~ 49.81% and ~ 34.14% to mice in model group. Since ginsenosides were used as sole reactant, ginsenosides carbon nanodots showed low toxicity and good animal response. CONCLUSION: Low-cost ginsenosides carbon nanodots as a new type of nanomedicine with good curative effect and little toxicity show application prospects for clinical treatment of neuroblastoma. It is proposed a new design for nanomedicine based on bioactive carbon nanodots, which used natural bioactive molecules as sole source.