Heteroatom doped photoluminescent carbon dots for sensitive detection of acetone in human fluids

Fluorescent nanoprobe has been judiciously tailored after incorporation of nitrogen and sulphur in carbon dots. The synergistic occurrence of sulphur and nitrogen affords outstanding luminescence property and provides recognition sites for specific and selective sensing of acetone (ketone) with an ultra-low limit of detection (7.2 × 10⁻⁷ M). This nano probe was successfully endorsed with real biological samples such as human blood and urine. The prepared carbon dots possess very high quantum yield (69.27%), excellent water dispersibility, non-toxic and ultrahigh photostability. Herein, we demonstrate an innovative perspective on the commercialization of carbon dots as a potential substitute to expensive kit for the detection of ketone bodies in human fluids.