Surface-Modified Cationic Carbon Dot On Shelf-Life Enhancement of Raw Milk at Room Temperature

Abstract

An increased raw milk wastage due to bacterial growth indicates a lack of proper freezing during transportation because of poor supply chain management. In this work, a surface charge-modified cationic carbon dot (CD-CTAB) using CTAB has been developed. Further antibacterial investigation shows that modified CDCTAB can selectively inhibit the growth of E. coli. These CD-CTABs with positive surface charge can preferentially adhere to the cell membrane of E. coli via electrostatic interaction and then disturb their physiological metabolism, resulting in bacterial death. CD-CTAB is also used to extend the shelf life of raw milk at room temperature by inhibiting bacterial growth for up to 10 hours.