Graphene oxide and its derivatives as promising In-vitro bio-imaging platforms

Abstract

Intrinsic fluorescence and versatile optical properties of Graphene Oxide (GO) in visible and near-infrared range introduce this nanomaterial as a promising candidate for numerous clinical applications for early-diagnose of diseases. Despite recent progresses in the impact of major features of GO on the photoluminescence properties of GO, their modifications have not yet systematically understood. Here, to study the modification effects on the fluorescence behavior, poly ethylene glycol (PEG) polymer, metal nanoparticles (Au and Fe3O4) and folic acid (FA) molecules were used to functionalize the GO surface. The fluorescence performances in different environments (water, DMEM cell media and phosphate buffer with two different pH values) were assessed through fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescent microscopy, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to evaluate the modifications of chemical structures. The modification of GO with desired molecules improved the photoluminescence property. The synthesized platforms of GO-PEG, GO-PEG-Au, GO-PEG-Fe3O4 and GO-PEG-FA illustrated emissions in three main fluorescence regions (blue, green and red), suitable for tracing and bio-imaging purposes. Considering MTT results, these platforms potentially positioned themselves as non-invasive optical sensors for the diagnosis alternatives of traditional imaging agents.

Near-infrared light enhanced starvation therapy to effectively promote cell apoptosis and inhibit migration

“…A strong peak also appeared at 2863 cm −1 , resulting from C-H stretching vibrations in methylene. And the characteristic peak for NH-CO (1636 cm −1 ) formed by the bonding of FGO and PEG-FA, and PEG and FA through amidation reaction were also found in the product [43]. All of these confirmed the successful synthesis of FGO-PEG-FA, which was also proved in the XPS element…”

Graphene Biosensors—A Molecular Approach

“…Graphene and its derivatives have attracted increasing research interest due to their ordered honeycomb lattice pore structure, high surface area with a great number of active sites, mechanical strength, high thermal conductivity, and great electrical and optical properties. GO, with its two-dimensional network and heterogeneous chemical and electronic structure, has gained particular interest [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. However, sometimes, it is necessary to functionalize graphene to enhance its properties and to improve the adsorption of biomolecules on its surface.…”

The effects of the oral administration of graphene oxide on the gut microbiota and ultrastructure of the colon of mice

“…The lamellar structure and abundant oxygencontaining groups of GO determine its high specific surface area, good hydrophilicity, and easy modification (2)(3)(4). GO and its derivatives have been widely applied in many aspects of the biomedical field, such as the delivery of chemotherapy drugs (5)(6)(7), the preparation of antibacterial materials (8,9), biological imaging in vivo (10,11), dental pulp repair (12), and the photothermal treatment of tumors (13,14). And they have great potential to be applied in clinical practice.…”