Nanomaterials

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11 pages, 4237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Facile Synthesis of N-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots as Novel Transfection Agents for mRNA and pDNA

by Minchul Ahn, Jaekwang Song and Byung Hee Hong

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 2816; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11112816 - 23 Oct 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4181

Abstract

In the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, global pharmaceutical companies have developed vaccines for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Some have adopted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) or viral vectors to deliver the genes associated with the spike protein of [...] Read more.

In the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, global pharmaceutical companies have developed vaccines for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Some have adopted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) or viral vectors to deliver the genes associated with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 for vaccination. This strategy of vaccination by delivering genes to express viral proteins has been successfully applied to the mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, and is also applicable to gene therapy. However, conventional transfection agents such as LNPs and viral vectors are not yet sufficient to satisfy the levels of safety, stability, and efficiency required for the clinical applications of gene therapy. In this study, we synthesized N-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) for the transfection of various genes, including messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) and plasmid deoxyribonucleic acids (pDNAs). The positively charged NGQDs successfully formed electrostatic complexes with negatively charged mRNAs and pDNAs, and resulted in the efficient delivery and transfection of the genes into target cells. The transfection efficiency of NGQDs is found to be comparable to that of commercially available LNPs. Considering their outstanding stability even at room temperature as well as their low toxicity, NGQDs are expected to be novel universal gene delivery platforms that can outperform LNPs and viral vectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials)

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21 pages, 10216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Poly(Lactic Acid)/Graphite Nanoplatelet Nanocomposite Filaments for Ligament Scaffolds

by Magda Silva, Carina Gomes, Isabel Pinho, Hugo Gonçalves, Ana C. Vale, José A. Covas, Natália M. Alves and Maria C. Paiva

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 2796; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11112796 - 22 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2679

Abstract

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most prone to injury in the human body. Due to its insufficient vascularization and low regenerative capacity, surgery is often required when it is ruptured. Most of the current tissue engineering (TE) strategies are [...] Read more.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most prone to injury in the human body. Due to its insufficient vascularization and low regenerative capacity, surgery is often required when it is ruptured. Most of the current tissue engineering (TE) strategies are based on scaffolds produced with fibers due to the natural ligament’s fibrous structure. In the present work, composite filaments based on poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) reinforced with graphite nanoplatelets (PLA+EG) as received, chemically functionalized (PLA+f-EG), or functionalized and decorated with silver nanoparticles [PLA+((f-EG)+Ag)] were produced by melt mixing, ensuring good filler dispersion. These filaments were produced with diameters of 0.25 mm and 1.75 mm for textile-engineered and 3D-printed ligament scaffolds, respectively. The resulting composite filaments are thermally stable, and the incorporation of graphite increases the stiffness of the composites and decreases the electrical resistivity, as compared to PLA. None of the filaments suffered significant degradation after 27 days. The composite filaments were processed into 3D scaffolds with finely controlled dimensions and porosity by textile-engineered and additive fabrication techniques, demonstrating their potential for ligament TE applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials)

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15 pages, 3531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Graphene Silver Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) with Photodynamic Therapy for Inactivation of Halitosis Responsible Bacteria in Denture Wearers

by Cecilia Bacali, Rahela Carpa, Smaranda Buduru, Mirela L. Moldovan, Ioana Baldea, Annemarie Constantin, Marioara Moldovan, Doina Prodan, Laura Monica Dascalu (Rusu), Ondine Lucaciu, Florinela Catoi, Mariana Constantiniuc and Mandra Badea

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(7), 1643; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11071643 - 23 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2539

Abstract

(1) Background: Poor hygiene and denture presence in the oral cavity are factors that favor bacterial accumulation, the cause of halitosis and of various oral and general diseases. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of inactivating bacteria associated with halitosis in [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Poor hygiene and denture presence in the oral cavity are factors that favor bacterial accumulation, the cause of halitosis and of various oral and general diseases. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of inactivating bacteria associated with halitosis in acrylic denture wearers using polymethyl methacrylate resin enhanced with graphene silver nanoparticles and the effect of the resin association with extra oral photodynamic therapy. (2) Methods: Graphene silver nanoparticles in 1 and 2 wt% were added to a commercial acrylic resin powder. Three study groups containing samples from the three different materials were established. The first group was not exposed to the light treatment, and the other two were exposed to red light (laser and light emitting diode) after photosensitizer placement on the disk’s surface. Samples were incubated with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Enterococcus faecalis. (3) Results: For both bacterial strains, inhibition zones were obtained, showing significant differences for the light-treated samples. (4) Conclusions: Denture resins with antibacterial properties associated with extra oral photodynamic therapy exhibited enhanced antibacterial effects. The procedure could be used as a safer and more efficient alternative technique against halitosis and oral infections in denture wearers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials)

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14 pages, 3380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gold Nanoparticles and Graphene Oxide Flakes Enhance Cancer Cells’ Phagocytosis through Granzyme-Perforin-Dependent Biomechanism

by Mohsen S. Al-Omar, Majid Jabir, Esraa Karsh, Rua Kadhim, Ghassan M. Sulaiman, Zainab J. Taqi, Khawla S. Khashan, Hamdoon A. Mohammed, Riaz A. Khan and Salman A. A. Mohammed

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1382; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11061382 - 24 May 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2651

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the roles of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and graphene oxide flakes (GOFs) as phagocytosis enhancers against cancer cells. The nanomaterials were characterized through SEM and UV-VIS absorptions. The GNPs and GOFs increased the macrophages’ phagocytosis ability in engulfing, thereby [...] Read more.

The study aimed to investigate the roles of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and graphene oxide flakes (GOFs) as phagocytosis enhancers against cancer cells. The nanomaterials were characterized through SEM and UV-VIS absorptions. The GNPs and GOFs increased the macrophages’ phagocytosis ability in engulfing, thereby annihilating the cancer cells in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. The GNPs and GOFs augmented serine protease class apoptotic protein, granzyme, passing through the aquaporin class protein, perforin, with mediated delivery through the cell membrane site for the programmed, calibrated, and conditioned cancer cells killing. Additionally, protease inhibitor 3,4-dichloroisocoumarin (DCI) significantly reduced granzyme and perforin activities of macrophages. The results demonstrated that the GOFs and GNPs increased the activation of phagocytic cells as a promising strategy for controlling cancer cells by augmenting the cell mortality through the granzyme-perforin-dependent mechanism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials)

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18 pages, 7964 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Biopolymeric Hybrid Scaffold-Based on AAc/GO/nHAp/TiO₂ Nanocomposite for Bone Tissue Engineering: In-Vitro Analysis

by Muhammad Umar Aslam Khan, Wafa Shamsan Al-Arjan, Mona Saad Binkadem, Hassan Mehboob, Adnan Haider, Mohsin Ali Raza, Saiful Izwan Abd Razak, Anwarul Hasan and Rashid Amin

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(5), 1319; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11051319 - 17 May 2021

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 3127

Abstract

Bone tissue engineering is an advanced field for treatment of fractured bones to restore/regulate biological functions. Biopolymeric/bioceramic-based hybrid nanocomposite scaffolds are potential biomaterials for bone tissue because of biodegradable and biocompatible characteristics. We report synthesis of nanocomposite based on acrylic acid (AAc)/guar gum [...] Read more.

Bone tissue engineering is an advanced field for treatment of fractured bones to restore/regulate biological functions. Biopolymeric/bioceramic-based hybrid nanocomposite scaffolds are potential biomaterials for bone tissue because of biodegradable and biocompatible characteristics. We report synthesis of nanocomposite based on acrylic acid (AAc)/guar gum (GG), nano-hydroxyapatite (HAp NPs), titanium nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs), and optimum graphene oxide (GO) amount via free radical polymerization method. Porous scaffolds were fabricated through freeze-drying technique and coated with silver sulphadiazine. Different techniques were used to investigate functional group, crystal structural properties, morphology/elemental properties, porosity, and mechanical properties of fabricated scaffolds. Results show that increasing amount of TiO₂ in combination with optimized GO has improved physicochemical and microstructural properties, mechanical properties (compressive strength (2.96 to 13.31 MPa) and Young’s modulus (39.56 to 300.81 MPa)), and porous properties (pore size (256.11 to 107.42 μm) and porosity (79.97 to 44.32%)). After 150 min, silver sulfadiazine release was found to be ~94.1%. In vitro assay of scaffolds also exhibited promising results against mouse pre-osteoblast (MC3T3-E1) cell lines. Hence, these fabricated scaffolds would be potential biomaterials for bone tissue engineering in biomedical engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials)

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12 pages, 2560 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Carbon-Nanotube-Coated Surface Electrodes for Cortical Recordings In Vivo

by Katharina Foremny, Wiebke S. Konerding, Ailke Behrens, Peter Baumhoff, Ulrich P. Froriep, Andrej Kral and Theodor Doll

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(4), 1029; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11041029 - 17 Apr 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2322

Abstract

Current developments of electrodes for neural recordings address the need of biomedical research and applications for high spatial acuity in electrophysiological recordings. One approach is the usage of novel materials to overcome electrochemical constraints of state-of-the-art metal contacts. Promising materials are carbon nanotubes [...] Read more.

Current developments of electrodes for neural recordings address the need of biomedical research and applications for high spatial acuity in electrophysiological recordings. One approach is the usage of novel materials to overcome electrochemical constraints of state-of-the-art metal contacts. Promising materials are carbon nanotubes (CNTs), as they are well suited for neural interfacing. The CNTs increase the effective contact surface area to decrease high impedances while keeping minimal contact diameters. However, to prevent toxic dissolving of CNTs, an appropriate surface coating is required. In this study, we tested flexible surface electrocorticographic (ECoG) electrodes, coated with a CNT-silicone rubber composite. First, we describe the outcome of surface etching, which exposes the contact nanostructure while anchoring the CNTs. Subsequently, the ECoG electrodes were used for acute in vivo recordings of auditory evoked potentials from the guinea pig auditory cortex. Both the impedances and the signal-to-noise ratios of coated contacts were similar to uncoated gold contacts. This novel approach for a safe application of CNTs, embedded in a surface etched silicone rubber, showed promising results but did not lead to improvements during acute recordings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials)

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12 pages, 5606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improved Mechanical Properties of Ultra-High Shear Force Mixed Reduced Graphene Oxide/Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposite Produced Using Spark Plasma Sintering

by Bing-Yen Wang, Steven Hsu, Chia-Man Chou, Tair-I Wu and Vincent K. S. Hsiao

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(4), 986; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11040986 - 12 Apr 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2024

Abstract

The addition of nanomaterials, such as graphene and graphene oxide, can improve the mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposites (NCPs). However, both the dispersive state of the starting materials and the sintering process play central roles in improving the mechanical properties of the [...] Read more.

The addition of nanomaterials, such as graphene and graphene oxide, can improve the mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposites (NCPs). However, both the dispersive state of the starting materials and the sintering process play central roles in improving the mechanical properties of the final HA NCPs. Herein, we studied the mechanical properties of a reduced graphene oxide (r-GO)/HA NCP, for which an ultra-high shear force was used to achieve a nano-sized mixture through the dispersion of r-GO. A low-temperature, short-duration spark plasma sintering (SPS) process was used to realize high-density, non-decomposing r-GO/HA NCPs with an improved fracture toughness of 97.8% via the addition of 0.5 wt.% r-GO. Greater quantities of r-GO improve the hardness and the fracture strength. The improved mechanical properties of r-GO/HA NCPs suggest their future applicability in biomedical engineering, including use as sintered bodies in dentistry, plasma spray-coatings for metal surfaces, and materials for 3D printing in orthopedics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials)

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14 pages, 2634 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Investigations of Graphene and Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Enhanced Polycaprolactone 3D Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

by Weiguang Wang, Jun-Xiang Chen, Yanhao Hou, Paulo Bartolo and Wei-Hung Chiang

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(4), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11040929 - 6 Apr 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2803

Abstract

Scaffolds play a key role in tissue engineering applications. In the case of bone tissue engineering, scaffolds are expected to provide both sufficient mechanical properties to withstand the physiological loads, and appropriate bioactivity to stimulate cell growth. In order to further enhance cell–cell [...] Read more.

Scaffolds play a key role in tissue engineering applications. In the case of bone tissue engineering, scaffolds are expected to provide both sufficient mechanical properties to withstand the physiological loads, and appropriate bioactivity to stimulate cell growth. In order to further enhance cell–cell signaling and cell–material interaction, electro-active scaffolds have been developed based on the use of electrically conductive biomaterials or blending electrically conductive fillers to non-conductive biomaterials. Graphene has been widely used as functioning filler for the fabrication of electro-active bone tissue engineering scaffolds, due to its high electrical conductivity and potential to enhance both mechanical and biological properties. Nitrogen-doped graphene, a unique form of graphene-derived nanomaterials, presents significantly higher electrical conductivity than pristine graphene, and better surface hydrophilicity while maintaining a similar mechanical property. This paper investigates the synthesis and use of high-performance nitrogen-doped graphene as a functional filler of poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds enabling to develop the next generation of electro-active scaffolds. Compared to PCL scaffolds and PCL/graphene scaffolds, these novel scaffolds present improved in vitro biological performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials)

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17 pages, 6669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advanced G-MPS-PMMA Bone Cements: Influence of Graphene Silanisation on Fatigue Performance, Thermal Properties and Biocompatibility

by Eva Paz, Yolanda Ballesteros, Juana Abenojar, Nicholas Dunne and Juan C. del Real

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(1), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11010139 - 8 Jan 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2302

Abstract

The incorporation of well-dispersed graphene (G) powder to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement has been demonstrated as a promising solution to improving its mechanical performance. However, two crucial aspects limit the effectiveness of G as a reinforcing agent: (1) the poor dispersion and [...] Read more.

The incorporation of well-dispersed graphene (G) powder to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement has been demonstrated as a promising solution to improving its mechanical performance. However, two crucial aspects limit the effectiveness of G as a reinforcing agent: (1) the poor dispersion and (2) the lack of strong interfacial bonds between G and the matrix of the bone cement. This work reports a successful functionalisation route to promote the homogenous dispersion of G via silanisation using 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy silane (MPS). Furthermore, the effects of the silanisation on the mechanical, thermal and biocompatibility properties of bone cements are presented. In comparison with unsilanised G, the incorporation of silanised G (G_MPS1 and G_MPS2) increased the bending strength by 17%, bending modulus by 15% and deflection at failure by 17%. The most impressive results were obtained for the mechanical properties under fatigue loading, where the incorporation of G_MPS doubled the Fatigue Performance Index (I) value of unsilanised G-bone cement—meaning a 900% increase over the I value of the cement without G. Additionally, to ensure that the silanisation did not have a negative influence on other fundamental properties of bone cement, it was demonstrated that the thermal properties and biocompatibility were not negatively impacted—allowing its potential clinical progression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials)

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18 pages, 6337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide Composites with Inorganic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

by Joanna Jagiełło, Adrian Chlanda, Magdalena Baran, Marcin Gwiazda and Ludwika Lipińska

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(9), 1846; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10091846 - 15 Sep 2020

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 8777

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO), due to their large active surface areas, can serve as a platform for biological molecule adhesion (both organic and inorganic). In this work we described methods of preparing composites consisting of GO and RGO and [...] Read more.

Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO), due to their large active surface areas, can serve as a platform for biological molecule adhesion (both organic and inorganic). In this work we described methods of preparing composites consisting of GO and RGO and inorganic nanoparticles of specified biological properties: nanoAg, nanoAu, nanoTiO₂ and nanoAg₂O. The idea of this work was to introduce effective methods of production of these composites that could be used for future biomedical applications such as antibiotics, tissue regeneration, anticancer therapy, or bioimaging. In order to characterize the pristine graphene materials and resulting composites, we used spectroscopic techniques: XPS and Raman, microscopic techniques: SEM with and AFM, followed by X-Ray diffraction. We obtained volumetric composites of flake graphene and Ag, Au, Ag₂O, and TiO₂ nanoparticles; moreover, Ag nanoparticles were obtained using three different approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials)

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14 pages, 3017 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Graphene Oxide-Linezolid Combination as Potential New Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment

by Flavio De Maio, Valentina Palmieri, Giulia Santarelli, Giordano Perini, Alessandro Salustri, Ivana Palucci, Michela Sali, Jacopo Gervasoni, Aniello Primiano, Gabriele Ciasca, Maurizio Sanguinetti, Marco De Spirito, Giovanni Delogu and Massimiliano Papi

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(8), 1431; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10081431 - 22 Jul 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3021

Abstract

Global pandemic management represents a serious issue for health systems. In some cases, repurposing of existing medications might help find compounds that have the unexpected potential to combat microorganisms. In the same way, changing cell–drug interaction by nanotechnology could represent an innovative strategy [...] Read more.

Global pandemic management represents a serious issue for health systems. In some cases, repurposing of existing medications might help find compounds that have the unexpected potential to combat microorganisms. In the same way, changing cell–drug interaction by nanotechnology could represent an innovative strategy to fight infectious diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most alarming worldwide infectious diseases and there is an urgent need for new drugs and treatments, particularly for the emergence and spread of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains. New nanotechnologies based on carbon nanomaterials are now being considered to improve anti-TB treatments, and graphene oxide (GO) showed interesting properties as an anti-TB drug. GO, which preferentially accumulates in the lungs and is degraded by macrophagic peroxidases, can trap Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mtb in a dose-dependent manner, reducing the entry of bacilli into macrophages. In this paper, combinations of isoniazid (INH), amikacin (AMK) and linezolid (LZD) and GO anti-mycobacterial properties were evaluated against Mtb H37Rv by using a checkerboard assay or an in vitro infection model. Different GO effects have been observed when incubated with INH, AMK or LZD. Whereas the INH and AMK anti-mycobacterial activities were blocked by GO co-administration, the LZD bactericidal effect increased in combination with GO. GO-LZD significantly reduced extracellular mycobacteria during infection and was able to kill internalized bacilli. GO-LZD co-administration is potentially a new promising anti-TB treatment at the forefront in fighting emerging antibiotic-resistant Mtb strains where LZD administration is suggested. This innovative pharmacological approach may lead to reduced treatment periods and decreased adverse effects. More importantly, we demonstrate how nanomaterials–drugs combinations can represent a possible strategy to quickly design drugs for pandemics treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials)

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Review

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18 pages, 4004 KiB

Open AccessReview

Graphene Oxide: Opportunities and Challenges in Biomedicine

by Pariya Zare, Mina Aleemardani, Amelia Seifalian, Zohreh Bagher and Alexander M. Seifalian

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(5), 1083; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11051083 - 22 Apr 2021

Cited by 68 | Viewed by 7182

Abstract

Desirable carbon allotropes such as graphene oxide (GO) have entered the field with several biomedical applications, owing to their exceptional physicochemical and biological features, including extreme strength, found to be 200 times stronger than steel; remarkable light weight; large surface-to-volume ratio; chemical stability; [...] Read more.

Desirable carbon allotropes such as graphene oxide (GO) have entered the field with several biomedical applications, owing to their exceptional physicochemical and biological features, including extreme strength, found to be 200 times stronger than steel; remarkable light weight; large surface-to-volume ratio; chemical stability; unparalleled thermal and electrical conductivity; and enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation properties. The presence of functional groups on graphene oxide (GO) enhances further interactions with other molecules. Therefore, recent studies have focused on GO-based materials (GOBMs) rather than graphene. The aim of this research was to highlight the physicochemical and biological properties of GOBMs, especially their significance to biomedical applications. The latest studies of GOBMs in biomedical applications are critically reviewed, and in vitro and preclinical studies are assessed. Furthermore, the challenges likely to be faced and prospective future potential are addressed. GOBMs, a high potential emerging material, will dominate the materials of choice in the repair and development of human organs and medical devices. There is already great interest among academics as well as in pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials)

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28 pages, 5308 KiB

Open AccessReview

Graphene Integrated Hydrogels Based Biomaterials in Photothermal Biomedicine

by Le Minh Tu Phan, Thuy Anh Thu Vo, Thi Xoan Hoang and Sungbo Cho

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(4), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11040906 - 2 Apr 2021

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 7913

Abstract

Recently, photothermal therapy (PTT) has emerged as one of the most promising biomedical strategies for different areas in the biomedical field owing to its superior advantages, such as being noninvasive, target-specific and having fewer side effects. Graphene-based hydrogels (GGels), which have excellent mechanical [...] Read more.

Recently, photothermal therapy (PTT) has emerged as one of the most promising biomedical strategies for different areas in the biomedical field owing to its superior advantages, such as being noninvasive, target-specific and having fewer side effects. Graphene-based hydrogels (GGels), which have excellent mechanical and optical properties, high light-to-heat conversion efficiency and good biocompatibility, have been intensively exploited as potential photothermal conversion materials. This comprehensive review summarizes the current development of graphene-integrated hydrogel composites and their application in photothermal biomedicine. The latest advances in the synthesis strategies, unique properties and potential applications of photothermal-responsive GGel nanocomposites in biomedical fields are introduced in detail. This review aims to provide a better understanding of the current progress in GGel material fabrication, photothermal properties and potential PTT-based biomedical applications, thereby aiding in more research efforts to facilitate the further advancement of photothermal biomedicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials)

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