Graphene Oxide: Opportunities and Challenges in Biomedicine

Abstract

Desirable carbon allotropes such as graphene oxide (GO) have entered the field with several biomedical applications, owing to their exceptional physicochemical and biological features, including extreme strength, found to be 200 times stronger than steel; remarkable light weight; large surface-to-volume ratio; chemical stability; unparalleled thermal and electrical conductivity; and enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation properties. The presence of functional groups on graphene oxide (GO) enhances further interactions with other molecules. Therefore, recent studies have focused on GO-based materials (GOBMs) rather than graphene. The aim of this research was to highlight the physicochemical and biological properties of GOBMs, especially their significance to biomedical applications. The latest studies of GOBMs in biomedical applications are critically reviewed, and in vitro and preclinical studies are assessed. Furthermore, the challenges likely to be faced and prospective future potential are addressed. GOBMs, a high potential emerging material, will dominate the materials of choice in the repair and development of human organs and medical devices. There is already great interest among academics as well as in pharmaceutical and biomedical industries.

Graphene-Based Materials Prove to Be a Promising Candidate for Nerve Regeneration Following Peripheral Nerve Injury

“…To successfully achieve neural regeneration, various factors, including topographical, chemical, mechanical, and electrical cues, should be considered. There have been ongoing attempts to develop biomaterial-based therapies to regenerate dysfunctional neural tissues, primarily for a damaged PNS and spinal cord [ 15 , 16 ].…”

“…GO is synthesized by both hummer and modified hummer methods. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO), another significant G family, is produced by reducing the amount of oxygen in GO through thermal, chemical, or UV exposure processes [ 15 ]. rGO is hydrophobic, and it is used as a nanofiller or for coating medical devices.…”

The Importance of Mimicking Dermal-Epidermal Junction for Skin Tissue Engineering: A Review

“…TE has gained massive attention since it has the potential to overcome the challenges of 2D and animal studies [ 99 , 100 ]. Numerous studies were conducted through the 2D cell culture of fibroblasts and keratinocytes to investigate human skin, formation, function, and pathology [ 100 ].…”

Adsorption of Malachite Green From Aqueous Solution Using Hydroxyethyl Starch Hydrogel Improved by Graphene Oxide

“…It is easily dissolved in water and organic solvents. Due to unrivaled features like uncomplicated synthesis process, non-toxic structure, perfect chemical stability, good mechanical features and environmental friendliness, it has received great interest from researchers for applications in a variety of areas [14,15]. GO has low cost and provides maximum surface area as an adsorbent for effective removal of pollutants from wastewater [15].…”

“…Due to unrivaled features like uncomplicated synthesis process, non-toxic structure, perfect chemical stability, good mechanical features and environmental friendliness, it has received great interest from researchers for applications in a variety of areas [14,15]. GO has low cost and provides maximum surface area as an adsorbent for effective removal of pollutants from wastewater [15]. GO nanoparticles suspended in aqueous media have e cient pollutant removal activity at low dosage; however, the e ciency in removing these nanoparticles from the water for reuse is low [16].…”