The carbon quantum dots: Preparation, antibacterial mechanisms, and application in food packaging

Abstract

In recent years, food spoilage and deterioration caused by microbial contamination have become increasingly serious. Traditional food packaging materials can inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms, thereby extending the shelf life of food. Unfortunately, traditional packaging materials have limitations, including limited antibacterial performance, easy environmental pollution, and poor biocompatibility. Hence, the development of food packaging materials with antibacterial properties has become a research hotspot. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs), as emerging food packaging materials, have excellent antibacterial activity, good biocompatibility, and low toxicity. Therefore, CQDs show broad application prospects in the field of food packaging. This paper initially reviews the prepar