An Update on Graphene Oxide: Applications and Toxicity.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Graphene oxide (GO) exhibits exceptional electrical, thermal, mechanical, and structural properties.
• GO's properties are tunable through functionalization, enabling diverse applications.
• Historical synthesis methods have evolved towards more efficient and safer production, like the modified Hummers method.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the synthesis, properties, and broad applications of graphene oxide.
• To explore GO's potential in tissue engineering, photocatalysis, and biomedical fields.
• To discuss the toxicological aspects and biological impacts of graphene oxide.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical and modern synthesis techniques for GO.
• Analysis of GO's physicochemical properties and their influence on applications.
• Compilation of research on GO's biological interactions and toxicity.

Main Results:

• GO's porous structure is suitable for tissue regeneration (bone, neural, skin, etc.).
• Tunable band gap of GO facilitates photocatalytic applications like pollutant degradation and CO2 reduction.
• GO's large surface area and functional groups enable use in drug delivery, sensing, and antibacterial nanocomposites.

Conclusions:

• Graphene oxide presents significant potential across various scientific and technological domains.
• Understanding GO's biological effects, including increased SOD and ROS levels, is crucial for safe application.
• Specific concentrations of GO demonstrate toxicity to various biological species, necessitating careful dosage control.