Themed collection Graphene and 2D Materials in Healthcare
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Graphene-based biosensors for detecting coronavirus: a brief review
The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease has affected the globe with 770 437 327 confirmed cases, including about 6 956 900 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) as of September 2023.
Nanoscale, 2023,15, 18184-18197
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR04583H
Emergence of graphene as a novel nanomaterial for cardiovascular applications
Techniques, characteristics, and uses of the graphene family have led to their emergence as a novel nanomaterial for cardiovascular applications.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 12793-12819
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00018H
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The potential of graphene coatings as neural interfaces
Graphene coatings hold transformative potential for brain interfaces. This review explores the physico-chemical aspects of chemical vapor deposited graphene coatings in neurological applications, highlighting the key properties of an ideal interface.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 384-406
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00461A
Advancing piezoelectric 2D nanomaterials for applications in drug delivery systems and therapeutic approaches
New evidence for piezoelectric nanomaterials across energy harvesting, piezocatalysis, and biomedicine fields, guiding and supporting future drug delivery system development.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 365-383
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00578J
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Effects of mechanical properties of carbon-based nanocomposites on scaffolds for tissue engineering applications: a comprehensive review
Carbon-based nanocomposites are biodegradable and exhibit a low toxicity with mechanical properties due to carbon species. Mechanical properties, such as elasticity, tensile strength, elongation, and hardness are essential in tissue engineering.
Nanoscale Adv., 2024,6, 337-366
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NA00554B
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
MXene and Xene: promising frontier beyond graphene in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
The emergence of 2D nanomaterials, initiated by the graphene isolation in 2004, revolutionized various biomedical applications, including bioimaging, drug delivery and tissue engineering, due to their unique physicochemical and biological properties.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 93-117
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00428G
Enhancement of MXene optical properties towards medical applications via metal oxide incorporation
The integration of metal oxides into MXene structures has been instrumental in boosting high surface area, electrical conductivity, stability, and sensitivity. This points to a promising future for biomedical applications.
Nanoscale, 2023,15, 16874-16889
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR02527F
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Sources of biases in the in vitro testing of nanomaterials: the role of the biomolecular corona
A comparative journey into biomolecular corona features involving proteomics, lipidomics, high throughput in vitro screening, and molecular feature analysis to investigate the in vivo/in vitro bias for nanomaterials testing in biology.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 799-816
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00510K
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MoS2 2D materials induce spinal cord neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity affecting locomotor performance in zebrafish
Upon ambient exposure, MoS2 nanomaterials can reach the nervous system of zebrafish larvae, resulting in a direct neurological damage characterized by neuroinflammation related cell alterations and behavioral abnormalities.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 785-798
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00041B
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Chronic full-band recordings with graphene microtransistors as neural interfaces for discrimination of brain states
Graphene-based transistors (gSGFETs) enabled stable full-band brain recordings for 5+ months, allowing precise brain state identification and prediction, which is critical both in brain science and neurology.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 589-597
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00440F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Concurrent functional ultrasound imaging with graphene-based DC-coupled electrophysiology as a platform to study slow brain signals and cerebral blood flow under control and pathophysiological brain states
Graphene-enabled micro-transistor arrays can be used to improve our understanding of how infraslow brain signals relate to changes in cerebral blood flow.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 544-554
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00521F
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Detection of medically relevant volatile organic compounds with graphene field-effect transistors and separated by low-frequency spectral and time signatures
Separation of volatile organic compounds by spectral and time domain signatures measured using graphene field-effect transistor arrays in nitrogen carrying gas medium and correlated to the donor–acceptor number theory and low-frequency 1/f noise.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 61-71
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR04961B
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Delivery of graphene oxide nanosheets modulates glutamate release and normalizes amygdala synaptic plasticity to improve anxiety-related behavior
Synaptic potentiation with increased dendritic spine density is a signature of fear memory consolidation in the lateral amygdala. Small graphene oxide reduces synaptic release and potentiation, preventing dendritic spine increase and fear behaviour.
Nanoscale, 2023,15, 18581-18591
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR04490D
Small-artery-mimicking multi-layered 3D co-culture in a self-folding porous graphene-based film
We co-cultured endothelial and smooth muscle cells in a self-folding porous film to create a vessel-like in vitro model. The tunability of the geometries including curvature and pore size enables us to emulate the geometries of a small artery.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2023,8, 1529-1536
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00304C
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A graphene microelectrode array based microfluidic device for in situ continuous monitoring of biofilms
In situ continuous monitoring of bacterial biofilms has been a challenging job so far, but it is fundamental to the screening of novel anti-biofilm reagents.
Nanoscale Adv., 2023,5, 4681-4686
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NA00482A
Colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic biosensor for quantitative detection of S100B in serum samples
A double antibody sandwich colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic biosensor for quantitative detection of S100B in serum.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2023,8, 1253-1261
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00192J
A nanofluidic sensing platform based on robust and flexible graphene oxide/chitosan nanochannel membranes for glucose and urea detection
By combining chitosan, graphene oxide, and graphene quantum dots we developed reusable, flexible and compact nanofluidic membranes with “memory effect” that allows multiple cycles of pH-responsive urea/glucose detection.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2023,8, 1243-1252
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00203A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Surface-anchored Carbon Nanomaterials for antimicrobial surfaces
Nanoscale, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02810D
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
An integrated design strategy coupling additive manufacturing and matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) towards the development of a new concept 3D scaffold with improved properties for tissue regeneration
New concept 3D scaffolds coated with a biocompatible graphene material (GL) obtained by combining additive manufacturing (AM) and matrix-assisted and pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) deposition are potential candidates for bone tissue engineering.
Nanoscale Adv., 2024,6, 3064-3072
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NA00098F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Cytotoxicity assessment of exfoliated MoS2 using primary human mast cells and the progenitor cell-derived mast cell line LAD2
Assessment of the impact of molybdenum disulfide on immune cells (e.g., mast cells) is required to ascertain its biocompatibility in view of its future development for biomedical applications.
Nanoscale Adv., 2024,6, 2419-2430
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NA00863K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Graphene oxide activates canonical TGFβ signalling in a human chondrocyte cell line via increased plasma membrane tension
This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying GO activated TGFβ signalling in chondrogenic cells. Contact with GO increased plasma membrane tension, activated mechanosensory pathways and endogenous TGFβ-1 as a mechanism for TGFβ signal activation.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 5653-5664
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR06033K
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Intracellular biocompatible hexagonal boron nitride quantum emitters as single-photon sources and barcodes
Hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles with color centers work as single-photon emitters from within live cells and enable robust photonic barcoding.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 4691-4702
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR05305A
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Surface modification of multilayer graphene electrodes by local printing of platinum nanoparticles using spark ablation for neural interfacing
Graphene electrode is coated with platinum nanoparticles using spark ablation to enhance the electrochemical characteristics of graphene for neural interfacing. The electrochemical stability of such coating is assessed indicating minimal deviation.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 3549-3559
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR05523J
Crosstalk-free graphene–liquid elastomer based printed sensors for unobtrusive respiratory monitoring
Smart mask capable of determining respiratory profile at ambient and sub-zero conditions.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 3498-3509
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR04774A
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Few-layered graphene increases the response of nociceptive neurons to irritant stimuli
Few-layered graphene (FLG) treatment increases the functional response of the nociceptive subpopulation of sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in response to irritants specific for chemoreceptors TRPV1 and TRPA1.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 2419-2431
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR03790H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Interaction of graphene and WS2 with neutrophils and mesenchymal stem cells: implications for peripheral nerve regeneration
Graphene-based nerve conduits for peripheral nerve regeneration. Interaction with non-neuronal cell types: neutrophils and mesenchymal stem cells.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 1792-1806
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR04927B
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, another arrow in the arsenal to study the biodegradability of two-dimensional materials
Carbon nitrides represent an emerging class of two-dimensional materials exploited for energy storage, for catalysis, in composites, and in biomedicine. Their biodegradability has been studied under the conditions of the photo-Fenton reaction.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 1304-1311
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR04502A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Differences in interaction of graphene/graphene oxide with bacterial and mammalian cell membranes
Weak bonding among bacteria phospholipids and less repulsive force when graphene materials approach, result in graphene materials interacting differently with the bacteria compared to mammalian cells.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 1156-1166
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR05354G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Recording physiological and pathological cortical activity and exogenous electric fields using graphene microtransistor arrays in vitro
Full-band recordings, including infraslow components, were obtained with graphene SGFETs from cerebral cortex slices. First gSGFETs recordings from human tissue in vitro were obtained. gSGFETs were also used to quantify both exogenous and endogenous electric fields.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 664-677
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR03842D
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Synthetic graphene–copper nanocomposites interact with the hACE-2 enzyme and inhibit its biochemical activity
Graphene–Cu and copper oxide nanocomposites showed an enhanced inhibitory effect against the hACE-2 enzyme, which is one of the passages for COVID infection.
Nanoscale Adv., 2024,6, 188-196
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NA00468F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Preclinical evaluation of modified carbon nanohorns and their complexation with insulin
Low toxicity in both in vitro and in vivo settings for carbon nanohorns modified with polyamidoamine was observed, and their complexation with insulin is accomplished.
Nanoscale Adv., 2023,5, 6847-6857
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NA00471F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Nanostructured graphene oxide enriched with metallic nanoparticles as a biointerface to enhance cell adhesion through mechanosensory modifications
A graphene oxide nanofilm decorated with gold nanoparticles accelerated adhesion of cells by altering mechanotransduction and upregulating the expression of integrin α5β1, thus making it suitable for nanostructured coating for biomaterials.
Nanoscale, 2023,15, 18639-18659
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR03581F
Anticancer and antibacterial properties of carbon nanotubes are governed by their functional groups
Carbon nanotubes with carbon atoms at a +3 oxidation number easily translocate through the cell membrane. With cytotoxicity towards macrophages at 10%, cancer cell number is reduced by up to 59% and bacterial colonization – by up to 99%.
Nanoscale, 2023,15, 18265-18282
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR02923A
Coal waste-derived synthesis of yellow oxidized graphene quantum dots with highly specific superoxide dismutase activity: characterization, kinetics, and biological studies
The remediation of coal waste into YGQDs with SOD-specific activity and superoxide ion binding in nanomolar range is reported for the first time. The molecular mechanism of its antioxidative and antiapoptotic properties are confirmed in C6-cells.
Nanoscale, 2023,15, 17861-17878
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR04259F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
One-year post-exposure assessment of 14C-few-layer graphene biodistribution in mice: single versus repeated intratracheal administration
Long-term investigation of the biodistribution of 14C-few-layer graphene after tracheal administration: repeated vs. single exposure.
Nanoscale, 2023,15, 17621-17632
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR03711H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide nanosheets evoke nitric oxide-dependent antibacterial effects
This study shows that 2D MoS2 nanosheets display cellular and acellular (enzyme mimetic) antibacterial effects.
Nanoscale, 2023,15, 17409-17421
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR03120A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Effects of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide nanomaterials on porcine endothelial progenitor cells
Effects of GO and rGO nanomaterials on porcine endothelial progenitor cells.
Nanoscale, 2023,15, 17173-17183
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR03145D
Shape complementarity processes for ultrashort-burst sensitive M13–PEG–WS2-powered MCF-7 cancer cell sensors
We control the electrical character of a 2D nanomaterial by using the integration of the phage-conjugated polymer and the nanosheet through shape-complementarity processes and design a sensor system for the rapid, sensitive detection of MCF-7 cells.
Nanoscale, 2023,15, 16658-16668
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR03573E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Covalent functionalisation controlled by molecular design for the aptameric recognition of serotonin in graphene-based field-effect transistors
This work introduces a controlled covalent functionalization using molecular design and electrochemical triggering, enabling monolayer-like functionalization of GFET while preserving graphene's electronic properties for monitoring of serotonin.
Nanoscale, 2023,15, 16650-16657
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR04153K
Background-filtered telomerase activity assay with cyclic DNA cleavage amplification
A new telomerase activity detection method termed Quenching-Exempt invader Signal Amplification Test (QUEST) is developed.
Nanoscale, 2023,15, 16669-16674
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR04132H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Efficient skin interactions of graphene derivatives: challenge, opportunity or both?
Positively and negatively charged graphene sheets interacted with human skin and enhanced penetration of Nile red-loaded into the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. Moreover, graphene's cargo was released more efficiently into the skin layers after laser exposure.
Nanoscale Adv., 2023,5, 5923-5931
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NA00574G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
In vitro assessment of skin irritation and corrosion properties of graphene-related materials on a 3D epidermis
Graphene-related materials are not skin corrosive and, if containing low surfactant residues, not skin irritant, as assessed on a 3D model of skin epidermis using the relevant OECD test guidelines.
Nanoscale, 2023,15, 14423-14438
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR03081D
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Mimicking the extracellular matrix by incorporating functionalized graphene into hybrid hydrogels
The efficient functionalization of graphene with sulfonic groups facilitates the interaction of biomolecules with the hydrogel surface. An enhancement on the viscoelasticity and cell development was observed in the hybrid-sulfonic graphene hydrogels.
Nanoscale, 2023,15, 14238-14248
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR02689B
About this collection
Over the past decade, the Graphene Flagship Division II (Health, Medicine, Sensors) has contributed immensely to developments in graphene-based technologies for biomedical applications, safe and sustainable graphene and related materials, and high-performance sensors with a variety of applications, from detecting disease biomarkers, to piezoresistive devices for microphones and speakers. This collection coincides with the celebration of the achievements and completion of this programme of work. Guest Edited by Prof Laura Ballerini (Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy), Dr Alberto Bianco (CNRS Strasbourg, France), Prof Kostas Kostarelos (University of Manchester, United Kingdom, and Catalan Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (ICN2), Barcelona, Spain) and Prof Maurizio Prato (CIC biomaGUNE, San Sebastián, Spain), this collection features research from participants in the Graphene Flagship programme as well as other investigators working in these important research areas at institutions outside of the Flagship.