In Vitro and In Vivo Biocompatibility Studies on Engineered Fabric with Graphene Nanoplatelets

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Engineered fabrics are being developed for physiological monitoring.
• Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are incorporated into fabrics for sensor applications.
• Assessing the biocompatibility of these smart fabrics is crucial for worker safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the biocompatibility of fabrics functionalized with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs).
• To determine the safety of GNP-infused fabrics for potential use in worker monitoring clothing.
• To compare the effects of two different GNP-based inks (P1 and P2) on cellular and organismal models.

Main Methods:

• Fabric strain sensors were created using water-based inks mixed with GNPs.
• In vitro biocompatibility was assessed using human keratinocytes (cell viability, morphology).
• In vivo biocompatibility was evaluated using Caenorhabditis elegans.

Main Results:

• Smart fabrics treated with P2 ink (P2GNP) showed no significant adverse effects compared to controls.
• Fabrics treated with P1 ink (P1GNP) resulted in reduced keratinocyte viability and altered cell structure.
• In vivo tests on P2GNP fabrics confirmed their non-toxic nature.

Conclusions:

• The P2GNP fabric exhibits non-toxic properties, making it suitable for wearable physiological monitoring.
• Further development of graphene-based inks in elastic fabrics is recommended for piezoresistive sensors.
• This research supports the safe integration of advanced materials into functional textiles.