Gut microbiome interactions with graphene based nanomaterials: Challenges and opportunities

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Biomedical Science

Background:

• Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), particularly graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNMs), are increasingly used, raising concerns about human and environmental exposure.
• GBNMs can enter the food chain and water sources, leading to potential ingestion by organisms.
• The gut microbiome plays a critical role in health, and its alteration by ENMs is a growing area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize studies on the impact of GBNMs on the gut microbiome.
• To evaluate the physiological responses and health implications of GBNM exposure, especially within the gastrointestinal tract.
• To discuss the potential health risks associated with GBNM exposure and suggest future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of in vitro and in vivo studies investigating GBNM exposure.
• Analysis of dietary exposure to various GBNMs, including graphene, graphene oxide (GO), partially reduced graphene oxide (PRGO), and graphene quantum dots (GQDs).
• Evaluation of physiological responses, gut microbiome alterations, and associated pathological changes.

Main Results:

• GBNM exposure significantly alters the composition, diversity, and function of the gut microbiome.
• Observed pathological changes include intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) colitis, lysosomal dysfunction, inflammation, and shortened colon.
• Adverse effects on fetal development, such as resorbed embryos, low fetal weight, and skeletal development retardation, were noted.

Conclusions:

• GBNMs pose significant risks to gut microbiome health and overall physiological well-being.
• Alterations in gut microbiome composition due to GBNMs can lead to enteric disorders and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like symptoms.
• Further research is needed to fully understand and mitigate the long-term health risks of GBNM exposure.