Graphene and Reproduction: A Love-Hate Relationship

Abstract

Since its discovery, graphene and its multiple derivatives have been extensively used in many fields and with different applications, even in biomedicine. Numerous efforts have been made to elucidate the potential toxicity derived from their use, giving rise to an adequate number of publications with varied results. On this basis, the study of the reproductive function constitutes a good tool to evaluate not only the toxic effects derived from the use of these materials directly on the individual, but also the potential toxicity passed on to the offspring. By providing a detailed scientometric analysis, the present review provides an updated overview gathering all the research studies focused on the use of graphene and graphene-based materials in the reproductive field, highlighting the consequences and effects reported to date from experiments performed in vivo and in vitro and in different animal species (from Archea to mammals). Special attention is given to the oxidized form of graphene, graphene oxide, which has been recently investigated for its ability to increase the in vitro fertilization outcomes. Thus, the potential use of graphene oxide against infertility is hypothesized here, probably by engineering the spermatozoa and thus manipulating them in a safer and more efficient way.

An interactive analysis of the mouse oviductal miRNA profiles

“…Here, we adopted a computational biology approach gathering the available data to reconstruct the pathway that may be activated by the oviductal miRNA in a mouse model. Mouse ( Mus musculus ) is the most commonly used animal model in biomedical research, including reproductive biology ( Jamsai and O’Bryan, 2011 ; Ramal-Sanchez et al, 2021 ). Furthermore, the mouse model allows the assessment of IVF rates and early stages of embryo development, as well as the ascertainment of the resulting offspring in terms of health status and potential epigenetic modifications.…”

Review on benefits, toxicity, challenges, and future of graphene-based face masks in the prevention of COVID-19 pandemic

“…and mask producers to the risks associated with using graphene and its derivatives for multidisciplinary purposes. Several studies have highlighted the harmful effects of graphene and its products on the endocrine, reproductive, immune, nervous, gastrointestinal, and other physiological systems of animals, including humans (Kucki et al, 2017;Orecchioni et al, 2017;Rajakumari et al, 2020;Ramal-Sanchez et al, 2021;Shin et al, 2015). The negative impact of nanographene materials on aquatic, marine, and terrestrial animals and plants suggests that graphene toxicity depends significantly on its concentration and particle size.…”

Enriched Graphene Oxide-Polypropylene Suture Threads Buttons Modulate the Inflammatory Pathway Induced by Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide

“…Studies have proven that graphene and GO are highly biocompatible with low toxicity levels [ 15 ] and excellent cytocompatibility [ 16 ], which enhance their use as a support for tissue regeneration, cell growth, and cell differentiation [ 17 ], at least for the concentration of 10 μg/mL or lower [ 18 ]. The innumerable properties of graphene and its derivatives have prompted biomedical research to evaluate the possible application of these materials in the medical field and to study their interaction with the biological system [ 19 ]. Over the years, several studies have highlighted how these nanomaterials play a key role in the modulation of biological processes such as inflammation and apoptosis [ 20 ], and it was also evidenced that they promote cell adhesion, cell growth, and antibacterial activity [ 21 ].…”