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Biocompatibility of Graphene Oxide
Kan Wang1, Jing Ruan1, Hua Song1
1National Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Fabrication Technology, Key Laboratory for Thin Film and Microfabrication of Ministry of Education, Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
Nanoscale Research Letters
|August 10, 2016
Summary
Graphene oxides show dose-dependent toxicity in human cells and mice, causing cell death and organ damage. Careful consideration of biocompatibility is crucial for any in vivo applications of graphene oxides.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Graphene oxides (GOs) are advanced nanomaterials with potential biomedical applications.
- Assessing the biocompatibility of GOs is essential before in vivo use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biocompatibility of graphene oxides (GOs) in human fibroblast cells and mice.
- To determine the dose-dependent toxicity effects of GOs.
Main Methods:
- GOs synthesized via modified Hummers method, characterized by HR-TEM and AFM.
- In vitro: Human fibroblast cells exposed to varying GO doses (1-5 days).
- In vivo: Mice injected with different GO doses (0.1, 0.25, 0.4 mg) and observed for 1, 7, 30 days.
Main Results:
- Water-soluble GOs were successfully prepared.
- GO doses < 20 μg/mL showed no toxicity to fibroblast cells; doses > 50 μg/mL induced cytotoxicity (apoptosis, reduced adhesion).
- Low/middle GO doses (0.1, 0.25 mg) were non-toxic to mice; high dose (0.4 mg) caused chronic toxicity (4/9 deaths, lung granulomas) and accumulation in organs (lung, liver, spleen, kidney).
Conclusions:
- Graphene oxides exhibit significant dose-dependent toxicity to both cells and animals.
- High-dose GO exposure can lead to cell apoptosis and lung granuloma formation.
- GOs show limited clearance by the kidney and their biocompatibility must be carefully evaluated for in vivo applications.
