An assessment of the cytotoxic effects of graphene nanoparticles on the epithelial cells of the human lung

Abstract

Nanomaterials are widely used nowadays in a range of technological and biomedical fields. Graphene as a nanomaterial used in the health-care sector and in workplaces has raised some concerns about its toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of graphene nanoparticles (GNPs) on the A549 epithelial cells of the human lung. The GNPs were synthesized from graphite by the modified Hummer method. The physicochemical characteristics of GNPs were identified by the transmission electron microscope, the scanning electron microscope, and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. The hydrodynamic size of GNPs in the dispersion media was examined using the dynamic light scattering technique. The GNPs were dispersed, after which the A549 cells were cultured. Finally, the cell viability was assayed by the MTT assay. The statistical analysis of variance was used to describe the relationship between the concentration/time variables and the GNP-induced cell deaths. The probit regression model was also used to achieve toxicological indicators. The results showed that the toxicological effects of GNPs on the A549 epithelial cells of the human lung are doseand time-dependent. The GNPs were more cytotoxic after a 72-h exposure period compared to a 24-h and 48-h exposure period. The inhibitory concentration of 50% and "no observed adverse effect concentration" were estimated to be 40,653.1 and 0.059 mg/mL, respectively. The results of this study can be helpful in developing the occupational exposure limit for GNPs and in improving occupational health programs in workplaces. However, more investigation is needed to specify the toxicological mechanisms of GNPs.

Graphenic Materials for Biomedical Applications

“…The GR deleterious effects in A549 human lung epithelial cells have been shown to be time and dose dependent. The highest cytotoxicity was observed after exposure for 72 h. The concentrations corresponding to no observed adverse effect and half-maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration were determined to be 40.653 and 0.059 µg/mL, respectively [67].…”

“…The cellular toxicity of GR is caused by its agglomeration on cell membranes. The sharp edges of the GR can act as knives and cut or penetrate the cell membrane, causing physical damage [65][66][67][68][69].…”

“…GO shows significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and, at a certain dose, it also presents cytotoxic effects in human cells [73]. GO can induce granuloma formation in the spleen, kidneys, liver, or lungs, and it is not eliminated by the kidneys [67]. Although there have been many demonstrations of possible applications of GO for biomedical purposes, the lack of live cell compatibility information has curbed the scope of GO applications [73].…”

“…In one study [67], the cytotoxic effects of GR on A549 human lung epithelial cells was investigated. The MTT assay was used for tests of viability of the cells and the results were statistically assessed to find the dependence between the concentration and time variables and the GR-induced death of cells.…”

Graphene-Based Scaffolds for Regenerative Medicine

“…Pristine GBMs have been shown to have a dose-and time-dependent in vitro toxicity in both procaryotic [180][181][182][183] and eucaryotic cells [184][185][186][187]. Graphene has a hydrophobic nature that often causes irreversible aggregation in cell culture media and it has been reported to agglomerate on cell membranes causing physical damage [188].…”