Graphene Quantum Dot–Cross-Linked Bioresource Hydrogels for Selective Molecular Capture in Therapeutic Loading and Environmental Remediation

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The development of sustainable and tunable platforms for molecular capture is critical for applications ranging from environmental remediation to biomedical diagnostics. The performance of this molecular capture is expected to be enhanced by additional active sites through π–π stacking, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions. Here, we present a strategy for fabricating bioresource-derived hydrogels with tunable molecular affinity, enabled by quantum dot–induced self-assembly. Using biomass-derived polysaccharides as the hydrogel matrix, surface-engineered graphene quantum dots (GQDs), and PEDOT:PSS (PP) as nanostructural and functional modifiers, we achieve controllable network architecture, porosity, and surface chemistry with a mechanical toughness up to 405.7 ± 10.9 kJ m –3 and a Young’s modulus of 12.2 ± 1.4 kPa. The GQDs with a particle size of 2.9 ± 0.5 nm not only serve as cross-linking nodes but also introduce π–π and electrostatic interaction sites, while the addition of PP can provide more π–π stacking, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions, hence enhancing selective molecular adsorption. Through systematic tuning of QD loading, surface groups, and gelation parameters, we demonstrate programmable capture performance for diverse analytes, including organic dyes and small biomolecules. The assembled hydrogels exhibit excellent reusability, rapid response, and low-energy fabrication under ambient conditions. This work provides a green and scalable approach for designing multifunctional hydrogels and opens avenues for waste-derived nanomaterial integration in soft matter systems.