Graphene Oxide: Preparation and Medical Research

Oxide (GO) has emerged as a highly versatile nanomaterial due to its exceptional physicochemical properties, including large surface area, and strong drug-loading capacity. These characteristics have enabled its broad application in fields such as wound healing, targeted drug delivery, and antimicrobial therapies. However, despite its promise, concerns surrounding GO's cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and potential pathological effects have limited its clinical translation. Addressing these limitations requires a deeper understanding of GO's interactions with biological systems and the development of strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. Recent advances in surface functionalization, covalent crosslinking, and the incorporation of GO into biocompatible matrices have shown great potential in enhancing its performance while minimizing toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the antibacterial mechanisms of GO and highlights recent progress in chemical modification approaches that improve its efficacy in biomedical applications, particularly in wound healing and drug delivery. By critically examining both the advantages and limitations of GO, this work aims to inform future research directions and support the safe and effective integration of GO-based materials in advanced therapeutic systems.