Can graphene oxide cause damage to eyesight?

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Ophthalmology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Graphene-based materials are promising for biomedical applications, necessitating eye safety assessments.
• The eye offers unique advantages for biomedical research and drug delivery, making intraocular biocompatibility studies crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the intraocular biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of graphene oxide (GO).
• To investigate the effects of GO on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in vitro and in rabbit eyes in vivo.

Main Methods:

• GO nanosheet preparation confirmed by AFM, contact angle, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy.
• In vitro assessment of GO's impact on RPE cell morphology, viability (CCK-8), membrane integrity (LDH), and apoptosis.
• In vivo evaluation of GO intravitreal injection in rabbit eyes, monitoring eyeball appearance, intraocular pressure (IOP), eyesight, and histology.

Main Results:

• GO exhibited good biocompatibility with RPE cells in vitro, showing >60% viability and <8% LDH release, despite minor long-term effects on morphology and some aggregation.
• A small percentage of apoptosis (1.5%) was observed in vitro, suggesting further investigation into GO cytotoxicity mechanisms.
• Intravitreal injection of GO in rabbits resulted in minimal changes in eyeball appearance, IOP, electroretinogram, and histological examination, indicating no significant toxicity.

Conclusions:

• Graphene oxide demonstrates promising intraocular biocompatibility for potential ophthalmic applications.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the cytotoxicity mechanisms of GO, especially concerning long-term exposure.
• The in vivo results support the safety of intravitreal GO injections in the context of rabbit ocular models.