The ecotoxicity of graphene family materials: current status, knowledge gaps and future needs

Abstract

Recently, graphene family materials (GFMs) have been introduced among all fields of science and still get numerous attention. Also, the applicability of these materials in many areas makes them very attractive. GFMs have attracted both academic and industrial interest as they can produce a dramatic improvement in materials properties at very low filler content. The aim of this review is to identify, summarize, and present the first available information on the influence of GFMs on soil and water environment as well as identify the knowledge gaps and indicate the directions for the next generation of the original scientific investigations. The paper also presents our first preliminary impact assessment and potential pathways of GFMs distribution in the environment. We used as an example the reduced graphene oxide/Al 2 O 3 nanocomposite (RGO/Al 2 O 3 ) that has been previously designed and synthesized by us. Authors believe that further work should focus on improvement of characterization methodology applicable for ecotoxicity analyses and possible interactions between GFMs and different living ecosystems. Consequently, the potential impact of graphene and its derivatives on environmental health is a matter of academic interest. However, potential hazards sufficient for risk assessment and concerned with GFMs usage in consumer products first need to be investigated and identified. Further research should focus on gathering knowledge on GFMs properties for life cycle analyses, which still poses a great challenge for scientists.

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.…”

Synthesis and Bioactivity of Reduced Graphene Oxide/Alumina‐Noble Metal Nanocomposite Flakes

“…Graphene and graphene oxide have so far attracted great scientific attention as potential bioactive materials . Many types of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles have been used to modify graphene oxide (GO) flakes or reduced graphene oxide (RGO) or graphene, and the resulting composites have been shown to possess better functional properties in comparison with the bulk material .…”

Phytotoxicological Tests - Applications of Foils Based on Graphene (Graphene Oxide)

“…Many studies have investigated the toxic effects of nanomaterials from graphene. Detailed research studies (Seabra et al, 2014;Guo et al, 2014;Jastrzebska et al, 2015) summarize recent fi ndings regarding toxic effects and possible mechanisms of toxicity and conclude that graphene, graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) cause toxic effects in tests both in vitro and in vivo. Interpreted results of toxicity vary and depend on many factors such as the physical appearance of the tested substance (solid phase, suspension, surface, dimensions, concentrations in the suspension, etc.…”