Direct Solvent‐Derived Polymer‐Coated Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanodots with High Water Solubility for Targeted Fluorescence Imaging of Glioma

Cancer imaging requires biocompatible and bright contrast‐agents with selective and high accumulation in the tumor region but low uptake in normal tissues. Herein, 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NMP)‐derived polymer‐coated nitrogen‐doped carbon nanodots (pN‐CNDs) with a particle size in the range of 5–15 nm are prepared by a facile direct solvothermal reaction. The as‐prepared pN‐CNDs exhibit stable and adjustable fluorescence and excellent water solubility. Results of a cell viability test (CCK‐8) and histology analysis both demonstrate that the pN‐CNDs have no obvious cytotoxicity. Most importantly, the pN‐CNDs can expediently enter glioma cells in vitro and also mediate glioma fluorescence imaging in vivo with good contrast via elevated passive targeting.