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.

Sub-acute toxicity of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles in male mice after intraperitoneal injection: Behavioral study and histopathological evaluation.

Graphene oxide (GO) is a graphene derivative used for numerous applications in which biomedical uses are significant. However, for this application, the security of GO is doubtful. In this work, we synthesized this nanoparticle to assess its toxicity in male mice. In addition, we studied the effects of this nanomaterial on behavior by administering GO intraperitoneally to mice at different doses (2 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg) for five days. Subsequently, we performed biochemical analyses of blood serum and measured peroxidase and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity. Then, we performed histological sections to evaluate the brain's and liver's pathological and morphological changes. The data showed that the open field tests did not alter the locomotor activity. Furthermore, the elevated cross-maze tests showed no anxiety effect in the GO doses in the animals. The biochemical analyses indicated that GO influenced the level of biochemical parameters. Although, the oxidative stress assay showed an increase in peroxidase and MDA activity after GO intoxication. However, histopathological analysis of liver sections showed that GO caused liver inflammation, whereas, at the brain level, GO did not affect neuronal cells. The results indicate that GO caused toxic effects and that its toxicity could be mediated by oxidative stress.

Can the application of graphene oxide contribute to the fight against COVID-19? Antiviral activity, diagnosis and prevention.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease that affects the respiratory system and is caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. It was first reported in Wuhan, China, on December 31, 2019, and has affected the entire world. This pandemic has caused serious health, economic and social problems. In this situation, the only solution to combat COVID-19 is to accelerate the development of antiviral drugs and vaccines to mitigate the virus and develop better antiviral methods and excellent diagnostic and prevention techniques. With the development of nanotechnology, nanoparticles are being introduced to control COVID-19. Graphene oxide (GO), an oxidized derivative of graphene, is currently used in the medical field to treat certain diseases such as cancer. It is characterized by very important antiviral properties that allow its use in treating certain infectious diseases. The GO antiviral mechanism is discussed by the virus inactivation and/or the host cell receptor or by the physicochemical destruction of viral species. Moreover, the very high surface/volume ratio of GO allows the fixation of biomolecules by simple absorption. This paper summarizes the different studies performed on GO's antiviral activities and discusses GO-based biosensors for virus detection and approaches for prevention.

Synthesis and Toxicity of Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles: A Literature Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

Nanomaterials have been widely used in many fields in the last decades, including electronics, biomedicine, cosmetics, food processing, buildings, and aeronautics. The application of these nanomaterials in the medical field could improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention techniques. Graphene oxide (GO), an oxidized derivative of graphene, is currently used in biotechnology and medicine for cancer treatment, drug delivery, and cellular imaging. Also, GO is characterized by various physicochemical properties, including nanoscale size, high surface area, and electrical charge. However, the toxic effect of GO on living cells and organs is a limiting factor that limits its use in the medical field. Recently, numerous studies have evaluated the biocompatibility and toxicity of GO in vivo and in vitro. In general, the severity of this nanomaterial's toxic effects varies according to the administration route, the dose to be administered, the method of GO synthesis, and its physicochemical properties. This review brings together studies on the method of synthesis and structure of GO, characterization techniques, and physicochemical properties. Also, we rely on the toxicity of GO in cellular models and biological systems. Moreover, we mention the general mechanism of its toxicity.