Two-dimensional nanomaterials: fascinating materials in biomedical field

Due to their high anisotropy and chemical functions, two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have attracted increasing interest and attention from various scientific fields, including functional electronics, catalysis, supercapacitors, batteries and energy materials. In the biomedical field, 2D nanomaterials have made significant contributions to the field of nanomedicine, especially in drug/gene delivery systems, multimodal imaging, biosensing, antimicrobial agents and tissue engineering. 2D nanomaterials such as graphene/graphene oxide (GO)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO), silicate clays, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), transition metal oxides (TMOs), black phosphorus (BP), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), antimonene (AM), boron nanosheets (B NSs) and tin telluride nanosheets (SnTe NSs) possess excellent physical, chemical, optical and biological properties due to their uniform shapes, high surface-to-volume ratios and surface charge. In this review, we first introduce the properties, structures and synthetic strategies of different configurations of 2D nanomaterials. Recent advances and paradigms of 2D nanomaterials in a variety of biomedical applications, ranging from drug delivery, cancer treatment, bioimaging and tissue engineering to biosensing are discussed afterwards. In the final part, we foresee the development prospects and challenges of 2D nanomaterials after summarizing the research status of ultrathin 2D nanomaterials.

Hybrid Magnetic Nanostructures For Cancer Diagnosis And Therapy

Cancer is the second disease in the world from the point of view of mortality. The conventional routes of treatment were found to be not sufficient and thus alternative ways are imposed. The use of hybrid, magnetic nanostructures is a promising way for simultaneous targeted diagnosis and treatment of various types of cancer. For this reason, the development of core@shell structures was found to be an efficient way to develop stable, biocompatible, non-toxic carriers with shell-dependent internalization capacity in cancer cells. So, the multicomponent approach can be the most suitable way to assure the multifunctionality of these nanostructures to achieve the desired/necessary properties. The in vivo stability is mostly assured by the coating of the magnetic core with various polymers (including polyethylene glycol, silica etc.), while the targeting capacity is mostly assured by the decoration of these nanostructures with folic acid. Unfortunately, there are also some limitations related to the multilayered approach. For instance, the increasing of the thickness of layers leads to a decrease the magnetic properties, (hyperthermia and guiding ability in the magnetic field, for instance), the outer shell should contain the targeting molecules (as well as the agents helping the internalization into the cancer cells), etc.

Sonochemically N-functionalized graphene oxide towards optically active photoluminescent bioscaffold

Herein, Nitrogen functionalized graphene oxide (N-f-GrO) has been synthesized using the sonochemical method. 2-Aminopyrimidine (APD) was used as a precursor for covalent functionalization with graphene oxide [f-(APD)GrO] as N-f-GrO which was ascertained with XPS. The involvement of arylamine group and formation of covalent bond over GrO surface was confirmed with high resolution C1s spectrum of f-(APD)GrO. Also, the signature of N1s peak in the survey spectrum of f-(APD)GrO has endorsed the surface modification of GrO through covalent functionalization. A bathochromic shift was observed for f-(APD)GrO in UV and enhanced weight loss of 91.39% at 191.80 °C, confirms a facile functionalization of GrO via formation of amide bond, where the terminal -OH portal of carboxylic group is substituted by 2-Aminopyrimidine. Moreover, the formation of f-(APD)GrO was investigated with various analytical techniques like Raman, XRD and FTIR. The surface morphology and topography have been understood by using HRTEM/SAED, AFM, and SEM analysis. The synthesized f-(APD)GrO shows potential optically active photoluminescence properties and higher potency towards biological insight. The identified photoluminescence (PL) peaks at 3.78, 3.21 2.01 and 1.64 eV indicate photon emission including an orange optical transition at 2.01 eV. The multiple peaks in a PL spectrum are due to radiative and non-radiative recombinations which are also associated with excess hole (h⁺)-electron (e^-) trapping on the surface to restrict the recombinations of e^- and h⁺. The biological activity of N-f-GrO has been explored with Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay on HaCaT and Vero cell lines. The concentration-dependent cell viabilities have been observed a maximum at 20 µg/ml for HaCaT and at 10 µg/ml for Vero cell lines at testing concentration range of 10-80 μg mL^-1. The significant morphological impact on cell lines confirms the cytocompatibility behaviour. Therefore, the synergistic impact of various properties of f-(APD)GrO can be further explored to study its significance as nanocarrier for photosensitive biomedical response.

Black phosphorus nanomaterials as multi-potent and emerging platforms against bacterial infections

Black phosphorus (BP) has attracted research interest due to its excellent physiochemical properties in various biomedical applications. However, challenges remain of establishing BP as a practical nanomaterial platform against bacterial infections caused by hard-to-treat pathogens. This review highlights the novel approaches for functional properties and advantages of BP over currently available two-dimensional nanomaterials for antibacterial activity. The latest research findings regarding BP for antibacterial activity, potential as alternative antibacterial approach to current antibiotics, and its promise for the future platform are also considered. We believe that our discussions and perspectives on current topics will provide researchers with an up-to-date and handy reference to apply BP as a beneficial nanostructured biomaterial to the human health against various bacterial infections.

Surface-Induced in Situ Sonothermodynamically Controlled Functionalized Graphene Oxide for in Vitro Cytotoxicity and Antioxidant Evaluations

Graphene oxide-based advanced functional materials offer an ultimate solution for wider biomedical applications. In situ thermodynamically ultrasound-assisted direct covalent functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) with sulfanilamide (SA) has synthesized f-(SA)GO. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) have analyzed the f-(SA)GO structure for functional activities, expressed through synergistic impact of heteroatomic domains (SIHAD). The TGA of GO and f-(SA)GO demonstrates their total weight losses of 82.0 and 61.1%, respectively. Enhanced thermal stability of f-(SA)GO infers an exothermic behavior obtained with DSC. The surface-induced in situ thermodynamically controlled nonspontaneous reaction for f-(SA)GO has facilitated calculations for activation energy (E a) = - 2.65 × 103 kJ mol-1 and Gibbs free energy (ΔG) = 8.3741 kJ mol-1, energetics for biological activities with sulforhodamine B assay on MCF-7 and Vero cell lines and antioxidant potential by free radical scavenging activity with DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). Cell viabilities are >89.8% for Vero and >90.1% for MCF-7 with f-(SA)GO over 10 to 80 μg mL-1. Its cytocompatibility infers establishment of a new material. The morphological effect on MCF-7 and Vero cell lines confirm its structurally stable biocompatibility. The SIHAD of f-(SA)GO scavenges radical activity, and its heteroatomic structure causes valuable physiochemical activities. f-(SA)GO could emerge as an advanced functional biomaterial for structurally and thermally stable biocompatible nanocoatings.

Molecular interactions of MnO2@RGO (manganese dioxide-reduced graphene oxide) nanocomposites with bovine serum albumin

Graphene based materials have attracted global attention due to their excellent properties. GO-metal oxide nanocomposites have been conjugated with biomolecules for the development of novel materials and potentially used as biomarkers. Herein, a detailed study on the interaction of Bovine serum albumin (BSA) with MnO₂@RGO (manganese dioxide-reduced graphene oxide) nanocomposites (NC) has been carried out. MnO₂@RGO nanocomposites were prepared through a template/surfactant free hydrothermal route at 180 °C for 12 h by varying the graphene oxide (GO) concentration. Different biophysical experiments have been carried out to evaluate molecular interactions between BSA and NCs. Intrinsic fluorescence has been used to quantify the quenching efficiency of NCs and the binding association of BSA-NC complexes. NCs effectively quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA via static and dynamic mechanism. Further, the results indicate that the molecular interactions of NC with BSA are dependent on the GO percentage in NC. Circular dichroism results demonstrate nominal changes in the secondary structure of BSA in presence of NCs. Also, the esterase-like activity of BSA was marginally affected after adsorption upon NCs. In addition, the FESEM micrographs reveal that the protein-NC complexes consist of nanorod and sheet-like morphologies are forming aggregates of different sizes. We hope that this study will provide a basis for the design of novel graphene based and other related nanomaterials for several biological applications.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

A novel one-pot facile economic approach for the mass synthesis of exfoliated multilayered nitrogen-doped graphene-like nanosheets: new insights into the mechanistic study

The present research focuses on providing a novel facile, cost-effective and eco-friendly method for the mass production of N-doped graphene-like nanosheets (NGLs), in order to industrially benefit the exploitation of N-doped graphene in electronics, which will lead to the remarkable prosperity of graphene-based nanoelectronics. NGLs have been synthesized through a one-pot single-step process involving hydrolysis/hydrothermal treatment of glucose under mild conditions, using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and ammonia solution (NH₄OH) as the structure-directing agents. NGLs of high yield (65 wt%) and fascinating structural features, including low oxidation level, good crystalline structural order, and large laterally sized and well-exfoliated nanosheets, have been produced. The growth mechanism has been deeply investigated. The impressive chemical nature of CTAB has a synergistic effect in controlling the NGL structure. The cationic head of CTAB and anionic OH^- ions resulting from NH₄OH ionization have formed a passivating layer that played a profound role in hindering the NGL agglomeration and allowing the NGLs to grow into large lateral dimensions. Meanwhile, the polar (mainly H-bonding) and apolar (hydrophobic) interfacial interactions between the passivating layer and the graphitic network can be mainly considered responsible for the mild disturbed structural order inside the sp² crystals. On the other hand, the excessive decomposition of CTAB that is also accompanied by fair ammonia decomposition during the hydrothermal treatment resulted in plenty of hydrogen and nitrogen gases in the atmosphere. The nitrogen gas N-doped the graphitic structure and the hydrogen gas effectively deoxygenated it. Furthermore, the high evolution rate of gases throughout the synthesis system contributed to the obstruction of NGL agglomeration. These results emphasize the high yield and good quality of the synthesized NGLs, which makes such a strategy promising in trust acquisition for investors in industrial production of N-doped graphene.

Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications: A Recent Study

The study of carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) for biomedical applications has attracted great attention due to their unique chemical and physical properties including thermal, mechanical, electrical, optical and structural diversity. With the help of these intrinsic properties, CBNs, including carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene oxide (GO), and graphene quantum dots (GQDs), have been extensively investigated in biomedical applications. This review summarizes the most recent studies in developing of CBNs for various biomedical applications including bio-sensing, drug delivery and cancer therapy.

Small addition of Zn2+ in Ca2+@DNA results in elevated gene transfection by aminated PGMA-modified silicon nanowire arrays

Gene therapy, a promising and effective treatment, has ignited new hope in overcoming difficult-to-cure diseases. The key question in gene therapy is how to efficiently and safely deliver exogenous nucleic acids into the nuclei of target cells. To achieve stable, efficient and safe gene transfer and to ensure efficiency of gene transfer into cell nuclei, a zinc ion-assisted gene delivery nanosystem was proposed in the present study by loading a low concentration of Zn²⁺ in Ca²⁺@DNA nanoparticles on ethanolamine-functionalized poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGEA)-modified SiNWAs (Zn²⁺/Ca²⁺@DNA + SN-PGEA). The results showed that with the help of Zn ions, this composite nanosystem could promote more DNA in the cell nuclei and thus dramatically increased the transfection efficiency by as much as 7-fold. The nanosystem with 0.2 mM Zn²⁺, 100 mM Ca²⁺ and PGEA modification on SiNWAs displayed the highest transfection efficiency and good biocompatibility. This new composite nanosystem will have great potential in gene transfection for biomedical research.

Construction of a graphene/polypyrrole composite electrode as an electrochemically controlled release system

A biocompatible conductive composite electrode GN–PPy–FL can realize controlled release of a drug model triggered by low voltages.

Membrane destruction and phospholipid extraction by using two-dimensional MoS2 nanosheets

The interaction of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials and bacterial membranes has attracted tremendous attention in antibacterial applications. Various peculiarities of 2D nanomaterials may lead to multiple mechanisms of their interactions with membranes. Here, we investigated the interaction between molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets and the bacterial membrane by using both theoretical and experimental approaches. Molecular dynamics simulation presented that MoS2 nanosheets can disrupt the structure of the lipid membrane by making dents on its surface and extracting phospholipid molecules to reduce the integrity of the membrane. This is attributed to the combination of the dispersion interaction of lipid tails with S atoms and the electrostatic interactions of lipid head groups with the Mo and S atoms in the lateral edges of the MoS2 nanosheet. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the dents and the destruction of the cell membrane, which would lead to the loss of cytoplasm and the death of bacteria. It should be noted that the phenomenon where MoS2 induces a dent is different from the direct insertion of graphene-based nanomaterials, which might be due to the thicker and stiffer structure of MoS2. Therefore, we believe that the molecular interactions of 2D nanomaterials with bacterial membranes should be highly correlated with their structural characteristics. This newly discovered mechanism of MoS2 nanomaterials to disrupt the cell membrane may promote the application of transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanomaterials in designing remarkable antibacterial materials in the near future.

The Yin and Yang of carbon nanomaterials in atherosclerosis

With unique characteristics such as high surface area, capacity of various functionalization, low weight, high conductivity, thermal and chemical stability, and free radical scavenging, carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), fullerene, graphene (oxide), carbon nanohorns (CNHs), and their derivatives have increasingly been utilized in nanomedicine and biomedicine. On the one hand, owing to ever-increasing applications of CNMs in technological and industrial fields as well as presence of combustion-derived CNMs in the ambient air, the skepticism has risen over the adverse effects of CNMs on human being. The influences of CNMs on cardiovascular system and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as atherosclerosis, of which consequences are ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke, as the main causes of death, is of paramount importance. In this regard, several studies have been devoted to specify the biomedical applications and cardiovascular toxicity of CNMs. Therefore, the aim of this review is to specify the roles and applications of various CNMs in atherosclerosis, and also identify the key role playing parameters in cardiovascular toxicity of CNMs so as to be a clue for prospective deployment of CNMs.

Effect of graphene on setting and mechanical behaviour of tricalcium phosphate bioactive cements

The potential reinforcing effect of graphene on calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) for injectable bone substitutes and scaffolds is presented. The influence of graphene (0-3.84 vol%) on the microstructural development during setting and the resultant mechanical properties of CPCs constituted by α + β-tricalcium phosphate is analysed. Optimum setting conditions were established using uniaxial compression strength of CPC and composites with pristine and functionalized graphene and liquid/solid ratios (L/S = 0.5-0.6 mL/g) that allowed the mixing and spatulation of the powders. Tensile strength of optimised materials has been determined using the Diametric Compression of Discs Test (DCDT). X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and FE-SEM-EDS on fracture surfaces were used to investigate phase composition and morphological changes in set specimens. Strengthening occurs for functionalized graphene additions up to 1.96 vol% due to different toughening mechanisms. Crack deflection, bridging and branching by graphene and, finally, the pull-out of the unbroken graphene sheets have been identified. Interlayer sliding between the graphene before pulling-out is an additional toughening process. Main effect of graphene on strength is the increase of reliability.

High-Performance Biosensing Systems Based on Various Nanomaterials as Signal Transducers

Recently, highly sensitive and selective biosensors have become necessary for improving public health and well-being. To fulfill this need, high-performance biosensing systems based on various nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, carbon nanomaterials, and hybrid nanomaterials, are developed. Numerous nanomaterials show excellent physical properties, including plasmonic, magnetic, catalytic, mechanical and fluorescence properties and high electrical conductivities, and these unique and beneficial properties have contributed to the fabrication of high-performance biosensors with various applications, including in optical, electrical, and electrochemical detection platforms. In addition, these properties can be transformed to signals for the detection of biomolecules. In this review, various types of nanomaterial-based biosensors are introduced, and they show high sensitivity and selectivity. In addition, the potential applications of these sensors on the biosensing of several types of biomolecules are also discussed. These nanomaterials-based biosensing systems provide a significant improvement on healthcare including rapid monitoring and early detection of infectious disease for public health.

Biomedical applications of carbon nanomaterials: Drug and gene delivery potentials

One of the major components in the development of nanomedicines is the choice of the right biomaterial, which notably determines the subsequent biological responses. The popularity of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) has been on the rise due to their numerous applications in the fields of drug delivery, bioimaging, tissue engineering, and biosensing. Owing to their considerably high surface area, multifunctional surface chemistry, and excellent optical activity, novel functionalized CNMs possess efficient drug-loading capacity, biocompatibility, and lack of immunogenicity. Over the past few decades, several advances have been made on the functionalization of CNMs to minimize their health concerns and enhance their biosafety. Recent evidence has also implied that CNMs can be functionalized with bioactive peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and drugs to achieve composites with remarkably low toxicity and high pharmaceutical efficiency. This review focuses on the three main classes of CNMs, including fullerenes, graphenes, and carbon nanotubes, and their recent biomedical applications.

High-yield graphene produced from the synergistic effect of inflated temperature and gelatin offers high stability and cellular compatibility

The direct exfoliation of graphite (Gr) is highly desirable and feasible compared to conventional processes owing to its non-oxidative, facile and controlled synthesis conditions. Herein, gelatin (gel), a hydrolysed form of collagen, was used as an exfoliant to directly exfoliate Gr. The main advantages of exploring gel as an exfoliant is its easy availability, low cost and high biocompatibility, which alleviate the drawbacks of previous exfoliation methods. The effect of the exfoliation parameters such as temperature, ratio of interacting species and pH of the solution offers a high yield of graphene (G) with the added advantages of good solubility, easy dispersibility and high stability. The temperature elevation caused by the dissipation of sonic waves facilitates a high exfoliation yield. Yield of 4.37 mg mL-1 of G was achieved under the conditions of 7 h sonication at 60 °C, pH 7 and Gr to gel ratio of 60 : 40, whereas yield of 1 mg mL-1 was achieved under sonication at 30 °C. Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicated the production of G sheets with 3-5 layers. The adsorption of gel on the surface of G via π-π interactions offers high stability and retains its inherent crystallinity. The as-synthesized G dispersion exhibits good cyto- and hemocompatibility. Unlike graphene oxide, the G dispersion does not affect RBCs at a relatively high concentration of 10 mg mL-1. These findings offer new avenues for the large-scale production of G and promote its biomedical applications, particularly in scaffold materials and intravenous drug delivery.

Facile, environmentally benign and scalable approach to produce pristine few layers graphene suitable for preparing biocompatible polymer nanocomposites

The success of developing graphene based biomaterials depends on its ease of synthesis, use of environmentally benign methods and low toxicity of the chemicals involved as well as biocompatibility of the final products/devices. We report, herein, a simple, scalable and safe method to produce defect free few layers graphene using naturally available phenolics i.e. curcumin/tetrahydrocurcumin/quercetin, as solid-phase exfoliating agents with a productivity of ∼45 g/batch (D/G ≤ 0.54 and D/D' ≤ 1.23). The production method can also be employed in liquid-phase using a ball mill (20 g/batch, D/G ≤ 0.23 and D/D' ≤ 1.12) and a sand grinder (10 g/batch, D/G ≤ 0.11 and D/D∼ ≤ 0.78). The combined effect of π-π interaction and charge transfer (from curcumin to graphene) is postulated to be the driving force for efficient exfoliation of graphite. The yielded graphene was mixed with the natural rubber (NR) latex to produce thin film nanocomposites, which show superior tensile strength with low modulus and no loss of % elongation at break. In-vitro and in-vivo investigations demonstrate that the prepared nanocomposite is biocompatible. This approach could be useful for the production of materials suitable in products (gloves/condoms/catheters), which come in contact with body parts/body fluids.

Assessing and Mitigating the Hazard Potential of Two-Dimensional Materials

The family of two-dimensional (2D) materials is comprised of a continually expanding palette of unique compositions and properties with potential applications in electronics, optoelectronics, energy capture and storage, catalysis, and nanomedicine. To accelerate the implementation of 2D materials in widely disseminated technologies, human health and environmental implications need to be addressed. While extensive research has focused on assessing the toxicity and environmental fate of graphene and related carbon nanomaterials, the potential hazards of other 2D materials have only recently begun to be explored. Herein, the toxicity and environmental fate of postcarbon 2D materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides, hexagonal boron nitride, and black phosphorus, are reviewed as a function of their preparation methods and surface functionalization. Specifically, we delineate how the hazard potential of 2D materials is directly related to structural parameters and physicochemical properties and how experimental design is critical to the accurate elucidation of the underlying toxicological mechanisms. Finally, a multidisciplinary approach for streamlining the hazard assessment of emerging 2D materials is outlined, thereby providing a pathway for accelerating their safe use in a range of technologically relevant contexts.

Heparin-dopamine functionalized graphene foam for sustained release of bone morphogenetic protein-2

The recently developed three-dimensional (3D) graphene foam (GrF) is intriguing for potential bone tissue engineering applications because it provides stem cells with a 3D porous substrate for osteogenic differentiation. However, the nature of graphene's structure lacks functional groups, thus making it difficult for further modification such as immobilization or conjugation of growth factors, which are normally required to promote tissue regeneration. To explore the potential of GrF functionalization and sustained release of therapeutic proteins, we fabricated a modified 3D GrF scaffold with bio-inspired heparin-dopamine (Hepa-Dopa) molecules using a highly scalable chemical vapour deposition method. Our data indicated that Hepa-Dopa modification resulted in significantly higher bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) binding ability and longer release capacity compared with the untreated scaffolds. Importantly, the heparin-functionalized 3D GrF significantly improved the exogenous BMP2-induced osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, our study, for the first time, indicated that the 3D GrF can be biomimetically functionalized with Hepa-Dopa and be used for sustained release of BMP2, thereby inducing osteogenic differentiation and suggesting promising potential as a new multifunctional carrier for therapeutic proteins and stem cells in bone tissue engineering.

Switching off the interactions between graphene oxide and doxorubicin using vitamin C: combining simplicity and efficiency in drug delivery

Delivery of doxorubicin using graphene oxide is remarkably improved by adding a little amount of vitamin C.

Facile synthesis, biofilm disruption properties and biocompatibility study of a poly-cationic peptide functionalized graphene–silver nanocomposite

Safe-by-design synthesis of a poly-cationic functionalized graphene–silver nanocomposite as a novel eco-benign antibacterial, biofilm inhibiting and disrupting agent.

Redox-active nanomaterials for nanomedicine applications

Nanomedicine utilizes the remarkable properties of nanomaterials for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Many of these nanomaterials have been shown to have robust antioxidative properties, potentially functioning as strong scavengers of reactive oxygen species. Conversely, several nanomaterials have also been shown to promote the generation of reactive oxygen species, which may precipitate the onset of oxidative stress, a state that is thought to contribute to the development of a variety of adverse conditions. As such, the impacts of nanomaterials on biological entities are often associated with and influenced by their specific redox properties. In this review, we overview several classes of nanomaterials that have been or projected to be used across a wide range of biomedical applications, with discussion focusing on their unique redox properties. Nanomaterials examined include iron, cerium, and titanium metal oxide nanoparticles, gold, silver, and selenium nanoparticles, and various nanoscale carbon allotropes such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, and their derivatives/variations. Principal topics of discussion include the chemical mechanisms by which the nanomaterials directly interact with biological entities and the biological cascades that are thus indirectly impacted. Selected case studies highlighting the redox properties of nanomaterials and how they affect biological responses are used to exemplify the biologically-relevant redox mechanisms for each of the described nanomaterials.

Carbon Nanomaterials in Biological Studies and Biomedicine

The "carbon nano-world" has made over the past few decades huge contributions in diverse scientific disciplines and technological advances. While dramatic advances have been widely publicized in using carbon nanomaterials such as fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphene in materials sciences, nano-electronics, and photonics, their contributions to biology and biomedicine have been noteworthy as well. This Review focuses on the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, and carbon quantum dots [encompassing graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and carbon dots (C-dots)] in biologically oriented materials and applications. Examples of these remarkable nanomaterials in bio-sensing, cell- and tissue-imaging, regenerative medicine, and other applications are presented and discussed, emphasizing the significance of their unique properties and their future potential.

Carbon nanostructures in biology and medicine

Carbon nanostructures have unique physical, chemical, and electrical properties, which have attracted great interest from scientists. Carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, graphene and other carbon nanomaterials are being successfully implemented in electrochemical sensing, biomedical and biological imaging.

A sandwich-type electrochemical biosensor for alpha-fetoprotein based on Au nanoparticles decorating a hollow molybdenum disulfide microbox coupled with a hybridization chain reaction

In this work, a sensitive sandwich-type biosensor for detecting alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is developed by using a target-triggered hybridization chain reaction strategy.

Fluorophore-functionalized graphene oxide with application in cell imaging

A fluorescent carbon material with excellent fluorescence performances and a nearly nucleus-staining was prepared by a simple method.

Cu@Ni core–shell nanoparticles/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for nonenzymatic glucose sensor

Cu@Ni core–shell nanoparticle decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites are prepared and further employed as a novel sensing material for fabricating a sensitive nonenzymatic glucose sensor with excellent performance for glucose.