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This study demonstrated an environmentally responsible, inexpensive and simple one-step hydrothermal method to synthesize biocompatible fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from Aegle marmelos fruit extract. The near-spherical CQDs were discovered to have a naturally distributed size of 3–6 nm, were unintentionally doped with heteroatoms (Ca, K, and N) without the need for doping element precursors due to mineral contents in extract, had a quantum yield of about 4.06%, strong photostability, and excellent water solubility. Several morphological, compositional, physicochemical, and optical properties were studied. Other variables influencing CQD photoluminescence, such as hydrothermal process parameters and pH sensitivity, were also examined. Zeta potential analysis showed a negative surface charge with a zeta potential value of −5.29 mV and good dispersibility in aqueous solution. Furthermore, as an alternative to organic or synthetic probes, there is a huge need for the development of simple, affordable, and non-destructive fluorescent biomarkers. As-synthesized Ca, K, N-doped CQDs have demonstrated good fluorescent staining abilities and may be employed as a helpful probe for bio-imaging of cancer cells and other organisms. Cell survival and cytotoxicity were found to be satisfactory, with 90% of SH-SY5Y and HCT-116 cells surviving, compared to 63–77% for the other organisms, even at higher dosages (200 µg/mL) for up to 4 days. [Display omitted] • A facile heteroatom doped CQDs have been synthesized from Aegle marmelos. • Hydrothermal process dependent and pH responsive PL were examined. • Bio-imaging of cancer cells and other living organisms are demonstrated. • Cytotoxicity were found over 90% of SH-SY5Y and HCT-116 cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Biocompatible fluorescent N,K,Ca-doped CQDs derived from Chenopodium album. • Fluorescence quantum yield up to 48.12 % was achieved. • Bioimaging of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, bacteria, fungal, and plant cells. • The cytotoxicity and cell viability have also been examined. This study demonstrated an economical, ecologically sustainable, and simple method for producing biocompatible fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) co-doped with N, K, and Ca from bathua (Chenopodium album), a popular medicinal herb leaf extract and nutritious vegetable. The nearly spherical shaped CQDs were discovered to be 3–5 nm in size in nature, with a quantum yield of around 48.12%, robust photo-stability, and excellent water solubility. Various morphological, compositional, physicochemical and optical characteristics were investigated. Additional factors affecting the photoluminescence of CQDs, such as hydrothermal process parameters, pH, and solvent sensitivity, were investigated further. Moreover, the newly synthesized N, K, Ca-doped CQDs were demonstrated to be a useful fluorescent nanoprobe for in vitro cellular imaging of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, as well as other living organisms such as bacteria, fungal, and plant cells, as a cost-effective alternative to organic or synthetic fluorescent probes. Cell survival and cytotoxicity were found to be acceptable, with 95% of SH-SY5Y and HCT-116 cells surviving and other organisms able to withstand higher doses (10.9 mg/mL) for up to 4 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]