The present invention relates to a process for developing label-free, green fluorescent carbon dots from natural sources and using them for cell microenvironment pH sensing in microgel based 3D cell culture platform. These synthesized carbon dots are non-cytotoxic and have pH dependent florescence properties. Such developed carbon dots of the present invention having florescence properties changing in the range relevant to biological systems are suitable candidates for sensing the pH changes in cellular microenvironment, thus finding their application as tumor theranostics.
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