Graphene-based nanomaterials: biological and medical applications and toxicity

Abstract

Graphene and its derivatives, due to a wide range of unique properties that they possess, can be used as starting material for the synthesis of useful nanocomplexes for innovative therapeutic strategies and biodiagnostics. Here, we summarize the latest progress in graphene and its derivatives and their potential applications for drug delivery, gene delivery, biosensor and tissue engineering. A simple comparison with carbon nanotubes uses in biomedicine is also presented. We also discuss their in vitro and in vivo toxicity and biocompatibility in three different life kingdoms (bacterial, mammalian and plant cells). All aspects of how graphene is internalized after in vivo administration or in vitro cell exposure were brought about, and explain how blood-brain barrier can be overlapped by graphene nanomaterials.

Biological interactions of carbon-based nanomaterials: From coronation to degradation

“…For instance, CNTs display strong optical absorption in the near infrared, Raman scattering as well as photo-acoustic properties that widen the scope of in vivo applications as they can potentially have bio-imaging and tracing functions coupled with drug delivery [4]. Graphene is another material with many promising areas of application as a result of its large surface area and possibility of easy functionalization, providing opportunities for drug delivery [5]. Moreover, its unique mechanical properties suggest tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications [16].…”

“…Carbon-based nanomaterials such as fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanohorns, carbon nanodots, nanodiamonds, and graphene and its derivatives have unique electronic, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties and have attracted considerable attention in recent years in nanomedicine [3–5]. Hence, many studies have attempted to exploit these materials for drug delivery or imaging, or both.…”

Toxicity of graphene-family nanoparticles: a general review of the origins and mechanisms

“…For example, some graphene nanomaterials aerosols can be inhaled and substantial deposition in the respiratory tract, and they can easily penetrate through the tracheobronchial airways and then transit down to the lower lung airways, resulting in the subsequent formation of granulomas, lung fibrosis and adverse health effects to exposed persons [2, 29]. Several reviews have outlined the unique properties [35, 36] and summarized the latest potential biological applications of GFNs for drug delivery, gene delivery, biosensors, tissue engineering, and neurosurgery [37–39]; assessed the biocompatibility of GFNs in cells (bacterial, mammalian and plant) [7, 40, 41] and animals (mice and zebrafish) [42]; collected information on the influence of GFNs in the soil and water environments [43]. Although these reviews discussed the related safety profiles and nanotoxicology of GFNs, the specific conclusions and detailed mechanisms of toxicity were insufficient, and the mechanisms of toxicity were not summarized completely.…”

Improved Biocompatibility of Amino‐Functionalized Graphene Oxide in Caenorhabditis elegans

“…Accordingly, GO exposure can cause an immune response, involving the activation of macrophages and various interleukins, as well as neutrophil extracellular trap formation similar to pathogen exposure . The degree of toxicity and immune response activation that is observed across studies depend on the GO synthesis protocol and the resulting variability of physicochemical properties, which is determined by the lateral sheet size, vacancy or lattice defects, chemical purity and specific surface functionalization . In cell culture, surface functionalization or coating with organic compounds, or metals, has been shown to improve GO biocompatibility by reducing toxicity and immune response activation .…”