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Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Graphene-Based Polyhedrons via Origami-Like Self-Folding
Published on: September 23, 2018
Thrombus inducing property of atomically thin graphene oxide sheets.
Sunil K Singh1, Manoj K Singh, Manasa K Nayak
1Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
ACS Nano
|May 18, 2011
Summary
Graphene oxide (GO) can cause blood platelets to aggregate and form clots, leading to pulmonary thromboembolism. This prothrombotic effect, dependent on surface charge, raises concerns for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanomaterials Science
- Hematology
Background:
- Graphene oxide (GO) is a novel 2D carbon nanomaterial with promising biomedical applications.
- Evaluating the physiological effects of GO, particularly on blood platelets involved in hemostasis, is crucial.
- Platelets play a vital role in maintaining blood vessel integrity and forming thrombi.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prothrombotic effects of graphene oxide (GO) on blood platelets.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying GO-induced platelet activation.
- To assess the in vivo implications of GO administration on thrombosis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro platelet aggregation assays were performed using atomically thin GO sheets.
- Mechanisms of platelet activation, including Src kinase activity and intracellular calcium release, were analyzed.
- Intravenous administration of GO in mice was used to evaluate in vivo thromboembolic events.
- Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was used to assess the role of surface charge.
Main Results:
- Atomically thin GO sheets induced significant platelet aggregation.
- GO-mediated platelet activation involved Src kinase signaling and intracellular calcium release.
- Intravenous GO administration in mice resulted in extensive pulmonary thromboembolism.
- Reduced GO (RGO) exhibited significantly lower platelet aggregating potential, indicating surface charge dependence.
Conclusions:
- Graphene oxide possesses a prothrombotic character that can lead to dangerous blood clot formation.
- The prothrombotic activity of GO is linked to its surface charge properties.
- Further investigation into the prothrombotic potential of GO is essential before its use in biomedical applications.

