Graphene Oxide Nanosheets Toxicity in Mice Is Dependent on Protein Corona Composition and Host Immunity

Two-dimension graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets with high and low serum protein binding profiles (high/low hard-bound protein corona/HChigh/low) are used in this study as model materials and screening tools to investigate the underlying roles of the protein corona on nanomaterial toxicities in vivo. We proposed that the in vivo biocompatibility/nanotoxicity of GO is protein corona-dependent and host immunity-dependent. The hypothesis was tested by injecting HChigh/low GO nanosheets in immunocompetent ICR/CD1 and immunodeficient NOD-scid II2rγnull mice and performed histopathological and hematological evaluation studies on days 1 and 14 post-injection. HClow GO induced more severe acute lung injury compared to HChigh GO in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice, with the effect being particularly pronounced in immunocompetent animals. Additionally, HClow GO caused more significant liver injury in both types of mice, with immunodeficient mice being more susceptible to its hepatotoxic effects. Moreover, administration of HClow GO resulted in increased hematological toxicity and elevated levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines in immunocompromised and immunocompetent mice, respectively. Correlation studies were conducted to explore the impact of distinct protein corona compositions on resulting toxicities in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice. This facilitated the identification of consistent patterns, aligning with those observed in vitro, thus indicating a robust in vitro-in vivo correlation. This research will advance our comprehension of how hard corona proteins interact with immune cells, leading to toxicity, and will facilitate the development of improved immune-modulating nanomaterials for therapeutic purposes.

Design and evaluation of fluorescent chitosan-starch hydrogel for drug delivery and sensing applications

Composite bio-based hydrogels have been obtaining a significant attention in recent years as one of the most promising drug delivery systems. In the present study, the preparation of composite chitosan-starch hydrogel using maleic acid as a cross-linker was optimized with the help of response surface methodology. The synthesized hydrogel was fluorescent owing to clustering of large number of functional groups. Different analytical techniques, including XRD, FTIR, SEM, XPS, fluorescence and BET were utilized to characterize the prepared hydrogel. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of non-crystalline hydrogel with random arrangement of macromolecular chains. The composite hydrogel exhibited good swelling percentage with pH sensitivity, hemocompatibility and degradability. BET analysis confirmed that the variation in concentration of crosslinker significantly influences the pore volume of the hydrogel. The synthesized composite chitosan-starch hydrogel was utilized as a prospective candidate for controlling drug release. Cefixime as a model drug was loaded onto the synthesized hydrogel utilizing the swelling diffusion method. SEM micrographs showed uniform distribution of drug molecules in the drug loaded hydrogel. In vitro drug release experiments indicated the swelling dependent drug release behaviour of chitosan-starch hydrogel with higher drug release at pH 7.4 (93.08 %) compared to pH 1.2 (67.85 %). The composite chitosan-starch hydrogel was able to prolong and control the drug release up to 12 h. The drug release from the hydrogel followed Korsmeyer-Peppas and Makoid-Banakar model with Fickian diffusion mechanism. Further, the composite hydrogel displayed excitation dependent fluorescence emission with most intense blue emission band at 425 nm with an excitation wavelength of 350 nm. The inclusion of cefixime drug in the hydrogel matrix significantly reduced the fluorescence intensity; the decrease was linearly correlated to the concentration of the drug. Moreover, the fluorescence emission the chitosan-starch hydrogel was found to be dependent upon pH. The synthesized hydrogel is expected to be a potential candidate for controlled drug release as well as for fluorescent sensing applications.

One-Pot Preparation of Skin-Inspired Multifunctional Hybrid Hydrogel with Robust Wound Healing Capacity

Bioinspired hydrogels have demonstrated multiple superiorities over traditional wound dressings for wound healing applications. However, the fabrication of bioinspired hydrogel-based wound dressings with desired functionalities always requires multiple successive steps, time-consuming processes, and/or sophisticated protocols, plaguing their clinical applications. Here, a facile one-pot strategy is developed to prepare a skin-inspired multifunctional hydrogel within 30 min by incorporating elastin (an essential functional component of the dermal extracellular matrix), tannic acid, and chitosan into the covalently cross-linked poly(acrylamide) network through noncovalent interactions. The resulting hydrogel exhibits a Young's modulus (ca. 36 kPa) comparable to that of human skin, a high elongation-at-break (ca. 1550%), a satisfactory tensile strength (ca. 61 kPa), and excellent elastic self-restorability, enabling the hydrogel to synchronously and conformally deform with human skin when used as wound dressings. Importantly, the hydrogel displays a self-adhesive property to skin tissues with an appropriate bonding strength (ca. 55 kPa measured on intact porcine skin), endowing the hydrogel with the ability to rapidly self-adhere to intact human skin, sealing the wound surface and also easily being removed without residue left or trauma caused to the skin. The hydrogel also possesses remarkable antibacterial activity, antioxidant capability, and hemocompatibility. All of these collective beneficial properties enable the hydrogel to significantly accelerate the wound healing process, outperforming the commercial wound dressings.

Adenylate kinase immobilized on graphene oxide impairs progression of human lung carcinoma epithelial cells through adenosinergic pathway

Purinergic signaling, the oldest evolutionary transmitter system, has been increasingly studied as a pivotal target for novel anti-cancer therapies. In the present work, the developed nanobiocatalytic system consisting of adenylate kinase immobilized on graphene oxide (AK-GO) was characterized in terms of its physicochemical and biochemical properties. We put special emphasis on the AK-GO influence on purinergic signaling components, that is, ecto-nucleotides concentration and ecto-enzymes expression and activity in human lung carcinoma epithelial (A549) cells. The immobilization-dependent modification of AK kinetic parameters allowed for the removal of ATP excess while maintaining low ATP concentrations, efficient decrease in adenosine concentration, and control of the nucleotide balance in carcinoma cells. The cyto- and hemocompatibility of developed AK-GO nanobiocatalytic system indicates that it can be successfully harnessed for biomedical applications. In A549 cells treated with AK-GO nanobiocatalytic system, the significantly decreased adenosinergic signaling results in reduction of the proliferation and migration capability of cancer cells. This finding is particularly relevant in regard to AK-GO prospective anti-cancer applications.

Fabrication of a Chitosan-Based Wound Dressing Patch for Enhanced Antimicrobial, Hemostatic, and Wound Healing Application

Wounds are a serious life threat that occurs in daily life. The complex cascade of synchronized cellular and molecular phases in wound healing is impaired by different means, involving infection, neuropathic complexes, abnormal blood circulation, and cell proliferation at the wound region. Thus, to overcome these problems, a multifunctional wound dressing material is fabricated. In the current research work, we have fabricated a wound dressing polymeric patch, with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chitosan (Cs) incorporated with a photocatalytic graphene nanocomposite (GO/TiO₂(V-N)) and curcumin by a gel casting method, that focuses on multiple stages of the healing process. The morphology, swelling, degradation, moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), porosity, light-induced antibacterial activity, hemolysis, blood clotting, blood abortion, light-induced biocompatibility, migration assay, and drug release were analyzed for the polymeric patches under in vitro conditions. PVA/Cs/GO/TiO₂(V-N)/Cur patches have shown enhanced wound healing in in vivo wound healing experiments on Wister rats. They show higher collagen deposition, thicker granulation tissue, and higher fibroblast density than conventional dressing. A histological study shows excellent re-epithelialization ability and dense collagen deposition. In vitro and in vivo analysis confirmed that PVA/Cs/GO/TiO₂(V-N) and PVA/Cs/GO/TiO₂(V-N)/Cur patches enhance the wound healing process.

Application of non-metal nanoparticles, as a novel approach, for improving the stability of blood products: 2011-2021

Despite the importance of the proper quality of blood products for safe transfusion, conventional methods for preparation and their preservation, they lack significant stability. Non-metal nanoparticles with particular features may overcome these challenges. This review study for the first time provided a comprehensive vision of the interaction of non-metal nanoparticles with each blood product (red blood cells, platelets and plasma proteins). The findings of this review on the most effective nanoparticle for improving the stability of RBCs indicate that graphene quantum dots and nanodiamonds show compatibility with RBCs. For increasing the stability of platelet products, silica nanoparticles exhibited a suppressive impact on platelet aggregation. Pristine graphene also shows compatibility with platelets. For better stability of plasma products, graphene oxide was indicated to preserve free human serum albumin from thermal shocks at low ionic strength. For increased stability of Factor VIII, mesoporous silica nanoparticles with large pores exhibit the superb quality of recovered proteins. Furthermore, 3.2 nm quantum dots exhibited anticoagulant effects. As the best promising nanoparticles for immunoglobulin stability, graphene quantum dots showed compatibility with γ-globulins. Overall, this review recommends further research on the mentioned nanoparticles as the most potential candidates for enhancing the stability and storage of blood components.

Development of chitosan/poly (vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide loaded with vanadium doped titanium dioxide patch for visible light driven antibacterial activity and accelerated wound healing application

Wound healing is a multi-stage process that is dynamic, interactive, and complicated. However, many nanomaterials are employed to expedite wound healing by demonstrating antibacterial activity or boosting cell proliferation. But only one phase is focused during the wound healing process. As a result, there is a need for optimum wound dressing materials that promotes different wound healing cascades with ideal properties. Herein, Graphene Oxide loaded with vanadium (V) doped titanium dioxide (TiO₂) blended with chitosan, and polyvinyl alcohol (CS/PVA/GO/TiO₂-V) patch was developed for wound healing. XRD, FTIR and FE-SEM analyses were carried out to study the morphology and structural property of the patch. The fabricated patch has a high surface porosity, excellent moisture vapor transfer rate, appropriate swelling behaviour, and oxygen permeability, which results in an excellent moist environment for wound breathing and effective management of wound exudates. The antibacterial test showed significant antibacterial efficacy against wound infections in the presence of light when compared to dark. In-vitro analysis such as hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity, cell adhesion, and scratch assay show the predicted potential wound healing application with high biocompatibility. These results suggest that CS/PVA/GO/TiO₂-V patch provides a microenvironment favourable to cells' growth and differentiation and positively modulates full-thickness wounds' healing.

Functionalization of Metal and Carbon Nanoparticles with Potential in Cancer Theranostics

Cancer theranostics is a new concept of medical approach that attempts to combine in a unique nanoplatform diagnosis, monitoring and therapy so as to provide eradication of a solid tumor in a non-invasive fashion. There are many available solutions to tackle cancer using theranostic agents such as photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) under the guidance of imaging techniques (e.g., magnetic resonance-MRI, photoacoustic-PA or computed tomography-CT imaging). Additionally, there are several potential theranostic nanoplatforms able to combine diagnosis and therapy at once, such as gold nanoparticles (GNPs), graphene oxide (GO), superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and carbon nanodots (CDs). Currently, surface functionalization of these nanoplatforms is an extremely useful protocol for effectively tuning their structures, interface features and physicochemical properties. This approach is much more reliable and amenable to fine adjustment, reaching both physicochemical and regulatory requirements as a function of the specific field of application. Here, we summarize and compare the most promising metal- and carbon-based theranostic tools reported as potential candidates in precision cancer theranostics. We focused our review on the latest developments in surface functionalization strategies for these nanosystems, or hybrid nanocomposites consisting of their combination, and discuss their main characteristics and potential applications in precision cancer medicine.

Current advances in nanomaterials affecting morphology, structure, and function of erythrocytes

In recent decades, nanomaterials have been widely used in the field of biomedicine due to their unique physical and chemical properties, and have shown good prospects for in vitro diagnosis, drug delivery, and imaging. With regard to transporting nanoparticles (NPs) to target tissues or organs in the body intravenously or otherwise, blood is the first tissue that NPs come into contact with and is also considered an important gateway for targeted transport. Erythrocytes are the most numerous cells in the blood, but previous studies based on interactions between erythrocytes and NPs mostly focused on the use of erythrocytes as drug carriers for nanomedicine which were chemically bound or physically adsorbed by NPs, so little is known about the effects of nanoparticles on the morphology, structure, function, and circulation time of erythrocytes in the body. Herein, this review focuses on the mechanisms by which nanoparticles affect the structure and function of erythrocyte membranes, involving the hemocompatibility of NPs, the way that NPs interact with erythrocyte membranes, effects of NPs on erythrocyte surface membrane proteins and their structural morphology and the effect of NPs on erythrocyte lifespan and function. The detailed analysis in this review is expected to shed light on the more advanced biocompatibility of nanomaterials and pave the way for the development of new nanodrugs.

Smart Fortified PHBV-CS Biopolymer with ZnO-Ag Nanocomposites for Enhanced Shelf Life of Food Packaging

Thymus vulgaris leaf extract was used as a stabilizer and reducing agent in the green, facile, and biomimetic hydrothermal decomposition reaction for the fabrication of zinc oxide-silver nanocomposites (ZnO-Ag NCs). The nanocomposite (NC) as an active agent was integrated into poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-chitosan (PHBV-CS) in a highly precise ratio of solvent mixture by ultrasonication without the aid of any coupling agent to fabricate the novel degradable biopolymer (BP) nanocomposite via solvent casting method to enhance the mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity and with the lowest immigration rate to improve the shelf life of poultry items. The ZnO-Ag NCs as a nanoactive agent in the food packaging preserved food safety by controlling its spoilage. The morphology, physical, mechanical, barrier, antibacterial, and migration properties of the nanocrystals were assessed via several characterization methods to show the enhancement of the prepared polymer in various aspects of properties. The NCs BP were used for potential sensory evaluation of chicken breast refrigerated over a period of 15 days. The data demonstrated that these bio-based nanocomposites show great antimicrobial activity that offers perspectives for the replacement of traditional petrochemical-based polymers currently used for food packaging of poultry items.

Graphene Nanoplatelets Modified with Amino-Groups by Ultrasonic Radiation of Variable Frequency for Potential Adsorption of Uremic Toxins

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. In stages III and IV of CKD, uremic toxins must be removed from the patient by absorption, through a treatment commonly called hemodialysis. Aiming to improve the absorption of uremic toxins, we have studied its absorption in chemically modified graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). This study involved the reaction between GNPs and diamines with reaction times of 30, 45 and 60 min using ultrasound waves of different amplitudes and frequencies. Functionalized GNPs were analyzed by Fourier Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersitive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The analysis of the functional groups confirmed the presence of amide and hydroxyl groups on the surface of the GNPs by reactions of diamines with carboxylic acids and epoxides. Adsorption of uremic toxins was determined using equilibrium isotherms, where the maximum percentage of removal of uremic toxins was 97%. Dispersion of modified graphene nanoplatelets was evaluated in water, ethanol and hexane, as a result of this treatment was achieved a good and effective dispersion of diamines-modified graphene nanoplatelets in ethanol and hexane. Finally, the results of hemolysis assays of the modified graphene with amine demonstrated that it was not cytotoxic when using 500 mg/mL. The samples of modified graphene demonstrated low degree of hemolysis (<2%), so this material can be used for in vivo applications such as hemodialysis.

Specific capture of glycosylated graphene oxide by an asialoglycoprotein receptor: a strategic approach for liver-targeting

In this work, we report the evaluation of lactosylated graphene oxide (GO-AL) as a potential drug carrier targeted at an asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) from hepatic cancer cells. Structural-modification, safety evaluation, and functional analysis of GO-AL were performed. The structure and morphology of the composite were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), while Raman and FTIR spectroscopy were used to track the chemical modification. For the safe application of GO-AL, an evaluation of the cytotoxic effect, hemolytic properties, and specific interactions of the glycoconjugate were also studied. SEM and AFM analysis of the GO showed graphene sheets with a layer size of 2-3 nm, though a few of them reached 4 nm. The Raman spectra presented characteristic peaks of graphene oxide at 1608 cm^-1 and 1350 cm^-1, corresponding to G and D bands, respectively. Besides, Si-O peaks for the APTES conjugates of GO were identified by FTIR spectroscopy. No cytotoxic or hemolytic effects were observed for GO samples, thus proving their biocompatibility. The interaction of Ricinus communis lectin confirmed that GO-AL has a biorecognition capability and an exposed galactose structure. This biorecognition capability was accompanied by the determination of the specific absorption of lactosylated GO by HepG2 cells mediated through the asialoglycoprotein receptor. The successful conjugation, hemolytic safety, and specific recognition described here for lactosylated GO indicate its promise as an efficient drug-delivery vehicle to hepatic tissue.

Heparin-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for curcumin delivery: in vitro, in vivo and molecular dynamics simulation study

We fabricated novel rGO-based nanocomposites and analyzed their interaction with drug and proteins via a molecular dynamics study.

Covalent functionalization of graphene oxide with d-mannose: evaluating the hemolytic effect and protein corona formation

Graphene oxide mannosylation impacts on RBCs toxicity and plasma protein interactions.

Fabrication of Nontoxic Reduced Graphene Oxide Protein Nanoframework as Sustained Antimicrobial Coating for Biomedical Application

Bacterial colonization on medical devices is a major concern in the healthcare industry. In the present study, we report synthesis of environmental sustainable reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on the large scale through biosynthetic route and its potential application for antibacterial coating on medical devices. HRTEM image depicts formation of graphene nanosheet, while DLS and ζ potential studies reveal that in aqueous medium the average hydrodynamic size and surface charge of rGO are 4410 ± 116 nm and -25.2 ± 3.2 mV, respectively. The Raman, FTIR, and XPS data suggest in situ conjugation of protein with rGO. The as-synthesized rGO protein nanoframework exhibits dose-dependent antibacterial activity and potential of killing of 94% of Escherichia coli when treated with 80 μg/mL of rGO for 4 h. The hemolytic and cytotoxicity studies demonstrate that rGO protein nanoframework is highly biocompatible at the same concentration showing significant antimicrobial properties. The rGO coated on the glass surface obtained through covalent bonding exhibits potent antibacterial activity. Antibacterial mechanism further demonstrates that rGO-protein nanoframework in dispersed state (rGO solution) exerts bactericidal effect through physical disruption accompanied by ROS-mediated biochemical responses. The rGO subsequently entering into the cytoplasm through the damaged membrane causes metabolic imbalance in the cells. In sharp contrast, physical damage of the cell membrane is the dominant antibacterial mechanism of rGO in the immobilized state (rGO coated glass). The obtained results help indepth understanding of the antibacterial mechanism of the biosynthesized rGO and a novel way to develop nontoxic antibacterial coating on medical devices to prevent bacterial infection.