Graphene in Medicine

 


Graphene oxide (GO) is an ultra thin sheet of nanomaterial. It is made of graphite and is used as a drug delivery system. A new study has been released concerning the toxicity of graphene oxide and ways to reduce it.

The study was led by Professor Khuloud Al-Jamal. He stated, “ Researchers have been incredibly excited with the potential medical applications of graphene since experiments into the nanomaterials were recognized with the Nobel Prize in physics in 2010. However, concerns around toxicity have remained a consistent obstacle.”

Professor Al-Jamal is a professor of Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine and Head of Medicines Development from King’s College in London. 

He states, “ In this study, we introduced the chemical methods to make GO more biofriendly and unraveled the link between proteins in the corona and GO’s safety profile. Most importantly, we showed that silicon methods could accurately predict toxicity in mice, offering ways to substitute the use of animals. I am proud of this cross continent team effort between UK, Hong Kong, China and the US.”

GO Is made from graphite in ultra thin sheets. It’s almost like a pencil lead, but it includes attached oxygen atoms so it is Compatible with water.

Unique chemical and physical properties means that GO could carry antibiotics or even anti-cancer drugs, or more. It could also target specific cells, potentially making it an extremely effective drug delivery system.

When GO is ingested, it interrelates with proteins like plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. This reaction creates a hardened coating of  proteins. This coating is referred to as a protein corona. It forms around the GO. It influences both the behavior and toxicity of the nanomaterial. 

Researchers and scientist want to take advantage of this drug delivery system. They are attempting to alter the surface of GO. This is GO’s Delivery method. They believe it will all alleviate the toxic effect inside the body.

A new study was just published in ACS Nano. It reveals the cause of the corona to pilot toxicity. Using this understanding, researchers found which proteins in the corona had adequately weakened GO toxicity. This creates a potential use as a drug delivery system for injectables or implants made from nanomaterials.

Two GO sheets with chemical alterations were tested. Researchers wanted to see how they bind to the corona protein, and the impact on the overall body.

The results using mice showed that sheets with a low protein coating caused severe damage to the liver and lungs. There were also signs of increased inflammation and blood toxicity. It was evident in mice with healthy, normal immune systems. 

Analysis of the reports links the protein coatings to the toxic effects in laboratory mice. They found by increasing the quantity of corona, the GO was reduced in toxicity. 

Further testing showed more key proteins that can moderate the toxicity of the nanomaterial. Many different types of science are involved. Chemistry, proteomics, 2D materials, mathematical modeling and even animal research are involved. 

All working together to fix the toxicity of GO in medicine. 

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