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Biocompatibility and toxicology effects of graphene oxide in cancer, normal, and primary immune cells
Iêda Maria Martinez Paino1, Fabrício Santos1, Valtencir Zucolotto1
1Nanomedicine and Nanotoxicology Group, Physics Institute of São Carlos (IFSC), University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, 13560-970, Brazil.
Abstract:
Graphene oxide (GO) has received enormous attention regarding its possible applications in medical areas including cancer treatment. Nevertheless, graphene biocompatibility and its interactions with cancer, normal and immune system cells still remain a major issue. In the current study, we focused on the immunological impact of GO in the oxidative burst by GO produced in fresh isolated primary human neutrophils, the most abundant leukocyte of immune system. We also studied the GO cytotoxicity, cell uptake, and genotoxicity in fresh isolated primary human monocyte, neutrophil, human carcinoma cervical (HeLa) and L929 cells. GO biocompatibility was also analyzed in human red blood cell (hemocompatibility) and in primary human T lymphocytes (T cell). We observed that GO can interact with HeLa in vitro and immune system cells, but in major extension with cancer cells. The latter opened the way for further studies on the effects of GO on immune system pathways and treatments for human cancer at lower concentrations. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 728-736, 2017.
Insights
Graphene oxide (GO) interacts with cancer cells more than immune cells, suggesting potential for targeted cancer treatments. Further research is needed to explore its effects on immune pathways and cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanomedicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Graphene oxide (GO) shows promise for medical applications, particularly in cancer treatment.
- However, its biocompatibility and interactions with various human cells, including cancer, normal, and immune cells, require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the immunological impact of graphene oxide (GO) on human neutrophils.
- To evaluate GO's cytotoxicity, cell uptake, and genotoxicity in various human cell types.
- To analyze GO's hemocompatibility and its effects on human T lymphocytes.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the oxidative burst in primary human neutrophils exposed to GO.
- Assessed GO cytotoxicity, cell uptake, and genotoxicity in primary human monocytes, neutrophils, HeLa cells, and L929 cells.
- Evaluated GO hemocompatibility using human red blood cells and its impact on primary human T lymphocytes.
Main Results:
- Graphene oxide demonstrated interaction with human carcinoma cervical (HeLa) cells and immune cells.
- The interaction was significantly more pronounced with cancer cells compared to immune cells.
- GO exhibited varying levels of cytotoxicity, cell uptake, and genotoxicity across the tested cell lines.
Conclusions:
- Graphene oxide shows preferential interaction with cancer cells in vitro.
- These findings suggest potential applications for GO in targeted cancer therapies.
- Further studies are warranted to explore GO's effects on immune system pathways for enhanced cancer treatment strategies.
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