RECENT PUBLICATIONS: Smaller particle size and higher oxidation improves biocompatibility of graphene-based materials

INEB researchers recently published an article in the journal Carbon, available since December 15th 2015. The article is entitled "Smaller particle size and higher oxidation improves biocompatibility of graphene-based materials" and is authored by Artur M. Pinto, Carolina Gonçalves, Daniela M. Sousa, Ana R. Ferreira, J. Agostinho Moreira, Inês C. Gonçalves and Fernão D. Magalhães.

Graphene-based materials (GBMs) have recognized potential for biomedical applications, however different production methods and treatments originate divergent biocompatibility. The biocompatibility of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) with different platelet sizes and oxidation degrees was evaluated in vitro. Smaller GNP-C was shown to be generally more biocompatible than GNP-M whose sharper edges cause membrane damages on cells being toxic above 20 μg mL−1. GNP-C increases ROS levels being toxic above 50 μg mL−1. Oxidization of GNP-M folds its sharp edges, assuring biocompatibility until the highest concentration tested (100 μg mL−1). GNP-M-oxidized is dispersible in water by sonication, revealing potential to be used for biomedical purposes.