Olive Oil to Carbon Dots: A Renewable Pathway in Green Chemistry
Abstract
Olive oil, rich in triglycerides like oleic acid, is well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, yet its potential in nanoparticle synthesis is underexplored. This study focuses on synthesizing fluorescent carbon dots (C-dots) from extra virgin olive oil using a bottom-up approach. Cdots are valued for their unique optical, physical, and chemical properties, making them suitable for applications in semiconductors, biomedical research, food packaging, and LED technology. The synthesis involved heating a mixture of olive oil, citric acid, and ethylenediamine at 180°C for 72 hours. The resulting C-dots underwent purification through liquid-liquid extraction and freeze-drying, yielding water-free, oily fluorescent carbon dots. These C-dots were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and FTIR analysis. Future research will investigate their biomedical applications, particularly their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, as well as their use in bioimaging, biosensing, and drug delivery systems.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Sajini Hettiarachchi, Dr. Steven Vanni, Dr. Regina Graham
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
2-4-2025 12:30 PM
End Date
3-4-2025 12:00 PM
Olive Oil to Carbon Dots: A Renewable Pathway in Green Chemistry
Alvin Sherman Library
Olive oil, rich in triglycerides like oleic acid, is well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, yet its potential in nanoparticle synthesis is underexplored. This study focuses on synthesizing fluorescent carbon dots (C-dots) from extra virgin olive oil using a bottom-up approach. Cdots are valued for their unique optical, physical, and chemical properties, making them suitable for applications in semiconductors, biomedical research, food packaging, and LED technology. The synthesis involved heating a mixture of olive oil, citric acid, and ethylenediamine at 180°C for 72 hours. The resulting C-dots underwent purification through liquid-liquid extraction and freeze-drying, yielding water-free, oily fluorescent carbon dots. These C-dots were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and FTIR analysis. Future research will investigate their biomedical applications, particularly their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, as well as their use in bioimaging, biosensing, and drug delivery systems.
