Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 23, 2025

Scalable Syntheses of Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide using Cascade Design Oxidation and Highly Basic Reduction Reactions
08:57

Scalable Syntheses of Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide using Cascade Design Oxidation and Highly Basic Reduction Reactions

Published on: July 3, 2025

161

Graphene oxide-induced, reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrial dysfunctions and apoptosis: high-dose toxicity

Ameer A Imarah1, Majid S Jabir2, Ali H Abood1

  • 1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Kufa, Kufa 540011, Iraq.

Nanomedicine (London, England)
|July 20, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Graphene oxide nanoparticles (GONPs) show significant cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on rat and human cells. Further research is needed to understand their implications for occupational health and safety.

Area of Science:

  • Nanomaterials Science
  • Toxicology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Graphene oxide nanoparticles (GONPs) are increasingly used in various applications.
  • Understanding the potential health risks associated with GONP exposure is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cytotoxic effects of GONPs on rat embryonic fibroblasts (REFs) and human epithelial breast cells (HBLs).
  • To assess the impact of GONPs on apoptotic markers and oxidative stress indicators.

Main Methods:

  • MTT assays were performed to evaluate cell viability.
  • Concentrations of GONPs used were 250, 500, and 750 μg/ml.
  • Levels of CYP2E1, malondialdehyde, glutathione, and caspase-3 were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • GONPs exhibited significant cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on both REF and HBL cell lines.
  • Increased CYP2E1 and malondialdehyde concentrations, along with reduced glutathione levels, indicated GONP toxicity.
  • Alterations in cytochrome CYP2E1, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and caspase-3 suggested an interlinked toxicological pathway.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of GONPs on REF and HBL-100 cell lines.
  • The findings highlight the need for caution regarding widespread GONP applications due to potential occupational health risks.
Keywords:
GONPsROSapoptosiscytotoxicityfree radicalsgraphene oxidehigh-dose vulnerabilitynanomaterialsnanoparticlesnanotoxicityoxidative damageoxidative stresstoxicity

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