Abstract Carbon quantum dots (CQD) were prepared from three different precursors and by bottom-up synthesis methods: classical pyrolysis of citric acid (CAP), microwave irradiation glucose (GM), hydrothermal treatment glucosamine hydrochloride (GAH). CQD further functionalized using various nitrogen-containing compounds: 6-aminohexanoic acid, 1,6-diaminohexane, N-octylamine, dimethylamine, tryp...