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

The effect of graphene oxide administration on the brains of male mice: Behavioral study and assessment of oxidative stress

Graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles are attracting growing interest in various fields, not least because of their distinct characteristics and possible uses. However, concerns about their impact on neurological health are emerging, underlining the need for in-depth studies to assess their neurotoxicity. This study examines GO exposure's neurobehavioral and biochemical effects on the central nervous system (CNS). To this end, we administered two doses of GO (2 and 5 mg/kg GO) to mice over a 46-day treatment period. We performed a battery of behavioral tests on the mice, including the open field to assess locomotor activity, the maze plus to measure anxiety, the pole test to assess balance and the rotarod to measure motor coordination. In parallel, we analyzed malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and catalase activity in the brains of mice exposed to GO nanoparticles. In addition, X-ray energy dispersive (EDX) analysis was performed to determine the molecular composition of the brain. Our observations reveal brain alterations in mice exposed to GO by intraperitoneal injection, demonstrating a dose-dependent relationship. We identified behavioral alterations in mice exposed to GO, such as increased anxiety, decreased motor coordination, reduced locomotor activity and balance disorders. These changes were dose-dependent, suggesting a correlation between the amount of GO administered and the extent of behavioral alterations. At the same time, a dose-dependent increase in malondialdehyde and catalase activity was observed, reinforcing the correlation between exposure intensity and associated biochemical responses.

Extremely efficient aerogels of graphene oxide/graphene oxide nanoribbons/sodium alginate for uranium removal from wastewater solution

Waste-water pollution by radioactive elements such as uranium has emerged as a major issue that might seriously harm human health. Graphene oxide, graphene oxide nanoribbons, and sodium alginate nanocomposite aerogels (GO/GONRs/SA) were combined to create a novel nanocomposite using a modified Hummer's process and freeze-drying as an efficient adsorbent. Batch studies were conducted to determine the adsorption of uranium (VI) by aerogel. Aerogels composed of (GO/GONRs/SA) were used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of U (VI) from aqueous solution. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to describe the structure, morphologies, and characteristics of (GO/GONRs/SA) aerogels. The initial concentration of uranium (VI) and other environmental factors on U (VI) adsorption were investigated, period of contact, pH, and temperature. A pseudo-second-order kinetic model can be employed to characterize the kinetics of U (VI) adsorption onto aerogels. The Langmuir model could be applied to understand the adsorption isotherm, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 929.16 mg/g. The adsorption reaction is endothermic and occurs spontaneously.

Detection of Nanoparticle-Mediated Change in Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in T Cells Using JC-1 Dye

Alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential are associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species and cell death. While eliminating cancer cells is beneficial for cancer therapy, cytotoxicity to healthy cells may limit the therapeutic applications of mitochondria-damaging nanoparticles. Due to the critical role mitochondria play in cell viability and function, it is important to detect such alterations when studying nanomaterials for therapeutic applications. The protocol described herein utilizes JC-1 dye to detect nanoparticle-mediated changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and is intended to support mechanistic immunotoxicology studies.

Nanomaterial-based drug delivery of immunomodulatory factors for bone and cartilage tissue engineering

As life expectancy continues to increase, so do disorders related to the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedics-related impairments remain a challenge, with nearly 325 thousand and 120 thousand deaths recorded in 2019. Musculoskeletal system, including bone and cartilage tissue, is a living system in which cells constantly interact with the immune system, which plays a key role in the tissue repair process. An alternative to bridge the gap between these two systems is exploiting nanomaterials, as they have proven to serve as delivery agents of an array of molecules, including immunomodulatory agents (anti-inflammatory drugs, cytokines), as well as having the ability to mimic tissue by their nanoscopic structure and promote tissue repair per se. Therefore, this review outlooks nanomaterials and immunomodulatory factors widely employed in the area of bone and cartilage tissue engineering. Emerging developments in nanomaterials for delivery of immunomodulatory agents for bone and cartilage tissue engineering applications have also been discussed. It can be concluded that latest progress in nanotechnology have enabled to design intricate systems with the ability to deliver biologically active agents, promoting tissue repair and regeneration; thus, nanomaterials studied herein have shown great potential to serve as immunomodulatory agents in the area of tissue engineering.