Assessment of Antioxidant Potential of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials from Different Sources

Oladoyin Grace Famutimi, Sam Masha, Rodney Maluleke, Vuyelwa Ncapayi, Thabang Calvin Lebepe, Nande Mgedle, Cynthia Mutendu Kungwa, Olufunto Tolulope Fanoro, Isaac Olusanjo Adewale, Oluwatobi Samuel Oluwafemi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Antioxidants regulate oxidative reactions by impeding, delaying, or inhibiting the oxidation of biomolecules. Concerns regarding the toxicity of synthetic antioxidants have driven the search for safer alternatives. In this study, the antioxidant activities of three nontoxic carbon-based nanomaterials—carbon dots from citric acid precursor (CB-Ca), iron-doped carbon dots (CB-Fe) and carbon dots derived from Momordica charantia leaves (CB-Mc)—were investigated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays. Scavenging activity was carried out at varying concentrations, and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated using non-linear regression. Reductive ability and TAC were expressed as mg ascorbic acid equivalents/g nanomaterial. CB-Fe exhibited the most potent DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 254.2 ± 37.37 µg/mL), surpassing CB-Mc and CB-Ca by 2- to 3-fold. In contrast, CB-Ca had the highest H2O2 scavenging (IC50 = 84.2 ± 11.87 µg/mL), while CB-Mc had the highest TAC of 77.95 mg ascorbic acid Eq/g. CB-Fe also displayed superior ferric ion reducing capacity. The study concluded that each carbon dot type exhibits unique antioxidant profiles and may offer some special advantages in nanomedicine and other applications.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1227
JournalAntioxidants
Volume14
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2025

Keywords

  • antioxidant
  • carbon dots
  • nanomaterials
  • oxidative stress

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology

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