One-Pot Synthesis of Carbon Nanodots Retrieved from Motorcycle Exhaust: Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Applications

Carbon nanodots (CNDs) are nanoscale carbon-based materials with particle sizes typically less than 10 nm. They are characterized by their unique electronic, optical, and surface properties, as well as their bright and tunable fluorescence across the visible light spectrum. The process involved in synthesizing carbon nanodots is rather energy-consuming, expensive, and complicated. Motorcycle exhausts have been looked at as an environmental pollutant. In this paper, the bright side of motorcycle exhausts has been projected, whereby we have extracted carbon nanodots from motorcycle exhausts, using a simple and straightforward strategy. The nanomaterial was successfully isolated and characterized. The antimicrobial activity of the indigenously prepared nanomaterial was evaluated and coatings were prepared on glass and these nanocarbon coatings were demonstrated for their anti-biofilm activity. The results confirm the innovative and sustainable recovery of antibacterial carbon nanodots from environmental pollutants such as motorcycle exhaust.