Luminescence imaging and toxicity assessment of graphene quantum dots using <i>in vitro</i> models

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have been of high interest due to their size and optical characteristics, which improves when functional groups are added borders defects. In this work, the in vitro toxicity aqueous dispersion GQDs (w/wo amino-functionalization) was investigated two different cellular models (S. cerevisiae H9c2 cell line). Results yeast suggest that at up 25 % volume concentration, effect all tested only inhibitory, and, both models, toxic is rigorously dose-dependent. The comparison IC50 values reveals no significant variations among them, pointing non-carbonized citric acid as more precursor. obtained data functionalization makes less toxic, being one functionalized with thioacetamide slightly followed by ones thiourea glutathione, respectively. confirm characteristics a whole, not sum precursors. concentrations 2 showed toxicity. Finally, fluorescence microscopy images interact membrane enter cell, manifesting fluorescent properties.