Assessment of the toxic potential of graphene family nanomaterials

Xiaoqing Guo*, Nan Mei

Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA

Graphene, a single-atom-thick carbon nanosheet, has attracted great interest as a promising nanomaterial for a variety of bioapplications because of its extraordinary properties. However, the potential for widespread human exposure raises safety concerns about graphene and its derivatives, referred to as graphene-family nanomaterials. This review summarizes recent findings on the toxicological effects and the potential toxicity mechanisms of graphene-family nanomaterials in bacteria, mammalian cells, and animal models. Graphene, graphene oxide, and reduced graphene oxide elicit toxic effects both in vitro and in vivo, whereas surface modifications can significantly reduce their toxic interactions with living systems. Standardization of terminology and the fabrication methods of graphene-family nanomaterials are warranted for further investigations designed to decrease their adverse effects and explore their biomedical applications.

Keywords:Functionalization, Genotoxicity, Graphene, Graphene oxide, Reduced graphene oxide, Toxicity