Recent advances in toxicity studies of graphene and its derivatives
Graphene has a high specific surface area, excellent electrical properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties, and optical properties, and is recognized as a "revolutionary material" in the future. In recent years, experts in the fields of materials, energy, environment, biomedicine and other fields have conducted extensive research on graphene and its derivatives, and have achieved many valuable results. In the field of biomedicine, the application of graphene and its derivatives focuses on biosafety, nano drug-loading systems, gene therapy, biomonitoring, bioimaging and diagnostics.
Application of Graphene in Medical Field: Biosafety of Graphene and Its Derivatives
Due to the different preparation processes, graphene and its derivative materials (graphene oxide GO, etc.) have different physical and chemical properties (such as size, structure, surface chemical state, etc.), so they are related to biomolecules, cells, tissues and organs. There are many ways to interact. A large number of studies have shown that graphene is a carbon nanomaterial with good biocompatibility.
Animal toxicity of graphene and its derivatives
The cytotoxicity of graphene and its derivatives is dimensionally and concentration dependent (the toxicity of GO is also related to its degree of oxidation) and generally exhibits good biocompatibility over a range of concentrations. When the graphene concentration exceeds a certain limit, it will cause some adverse reactions to the cells (such as cell membrane damage, decreased cell activity, etc.); in addition, graphene and GO have certain hemolytic activity. Fortunately, the modification of polyethylene glycol, chitosan, protein and other methods can effectively reduce the cytotoxicity and hemolysis of graphene materials at higher concentrations.
Cytotoxicity of graphene and its derivatives
Simple graphene and its derivatives can be enriched in the lungs of mammals and can exist for a long time, leading to the formation of pulmonary edema and granuloma, and induce lung damage. However, studies have shown that the damage can be alleviated by drug treatment, and the graphene-based material modified by polyethylene glycol, dextran, chitosan and other polymers can significantly reduce the toxicity in vivo. Studies have shown that enzymes such as horseradish peroxidase and human myeloperoxidase in the organism can cause degradation of graphene materials, which greatly reduces the biotoxicity of graphene materials, especially long-term biological toxicity. It is more safe and effective for use in the biomedical field.
Microbial toxicity of graphene and its derivatives
Unlike good biocompatibility exhibited in cells or animals, graphene exhibits excellent antibacterial properties in action with microorganisms. The antibacterial property of graphene may be due to the fact that its lamellar structure has a harder edge, and the blade-like structure may cause mechanical damage to the bacterial cell membrane. In addition, Tu et al believe that graphene can directly extract phospholipid molecules on the cell membrane directly, destroying cell membranes and killing bacteria. The way in which graphene kills germs is quite different from traditional antibiotics. The use of graphene sterilization can reduce the threat of using antibiotics to produce "super bacteria." And the articles sterilized in this way will not remain in the human body during repeated use, so the harm to the human body is greatly reduced. It is of great significance for patients with reduced immune function.
The excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of graphene and its derivatives make it potentially useful in biomedicine. After years of research, the biosafety study of graphene has accumulated a certain foundation. However, due to the diversity of graphene and its derivatives and the diversity of biological systems, it is necessary to integrate various aspects in the future application of graphene. Factors are studied in depth.
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