A Pioneering Strategy for Revolutionising Quantum Technology: The Cellular Activity of Carbon Quantum Dots Exclusively Derived from Sertraline Hydrochloride

Year 2025, Volume: 55 Issue: 3, 332 - 342, 14.01.2026

Gamze Çamlık , Besa Bilakaya , Gökçe Karaotmarlı Güven , Tugce Boran , Ceyda Bıyıkoğlu , Siddhanshu Wasnik , İsmail Tuncer Değim

https://doi.org/10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2025.1676831

https://izlik.org/JA95ZW43XN

Abstract

Background and Aims: Depression is a common and chronic mental health condition affecting approximately 15% of the global population, significantly impacting daily life. Although its exact causes are unclear, environmental, psychological, and biological factors contribute to its development. Sertraline hydrochloride (SHCl) is a synthetic compound used as an antidepressant. It works by selectively increasing serotonin levels in the brain. However, its poor water solubility limits its absorption. This study presents the initial scientific evidence for the use of sertraline hydrochloride carbon quantum dots (SCQDs) in skin-based drug delivery systems for SHCl, aiming to improve its bioavailability.

Methods: SCQDs were synthesised via microwave using SHCl. Their physical (appearance, size, PDI, zeta potential) and optical (fluorescence, quantum yield) properties were detailed. In vitro release and cytotoxicity tests assessed the biocompatibility and formulation stability.

Results: The SCQD particle size was 9.170 ± 0.045 nm, polydispersity index 16.900 ± 0.078%, and zeta potential 11.700 ± 0.502 mV. SCQDs showed bright fluorescence under 365 nm UV light with a 57.75% quantum yield. Drug release from SCQDs was 34 ± 0.225% vs. 2 ± 0.043% for the SHCl solution. SCQDs exhibited lower toxicity in the MTT assay.

Conclusion: SCQDs were successfully synthesised by microwave, directly using the active substance as a carbon source with adjustable surface charges. These SCQDs exhibited high thermodynamic activity and rapid in vitro membrane permeation. Notably, SCQDs were less toxic than SHCl. This study provides key insights for synthesising carbon quantum dots directly from an active substance and for potential drug delivery systems.

Keywords

Antidepressant , Carbon Quantum Dots , Microwave synthesis , Sertraline Hydrochloride , Quantum dots

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