Biocompatibility Considerations in the Design of Graphene Biomedical Materials

Abstract

Graphene‐based materials (GBM) have outstanding properties that have proven highly beneficial in several proof‐of‐concept investigations on their biomedical potential. They can be used as suspensions of nanosheets for nanomedicine purposes as well as components of macroscale products in medical devices or tissue engineering/regenerative medicine products. However, the clinical translation of these preclinical concepts is hampered by the incomplete understanding of the biocompatibility of GBM in general, and the limited or lack of safety considerations in most preclinical proof‐of‐concept studies. In this review, the main safety aspects to be considered for the design of biocompatible materials based on GBM that interface with the human body or its fluids are outlined. Guidance to overcome some of the unique challenges presented by graphene biomedical materials are provided, stressing the need to consider safety challenges as early as possible in the design phase of the candidate biomedical product to raise its chance for clinical translation.

Graphene‐Based Antimicrobial Biomedical Surfaces

“…The materials must be biocompatible to be used in biomedical devices not only being neutral to the human cells but also be able to cope with in vivo environment and enhanced functional integration to host tissue [83,84] . As like antimicrobial behavior, many studies have evaluated the biocompatibility of graphene derivatives [85–88] .…”

Tuning protein adsorption on graphene surfaces via laser-induced oxidation

“…In addition, their stability and functionality need to be assessed over time. 12 Although the phenomenon of biocompatibility is complex and its mechanisms not fully known, for those materials exposed to the human body, it is associated with the adsorption of proteins on their surface. 13 While working towards bioinspired surfaces, our study aims at the preparation of biocompatible graphene-based microchips, to induce graphene-cell interactions, as potential implantable devices.…”

Intracerebral Injection of Graphene Oxide Nanosheets Mitigates Microglial Activation Without Inducing Acute Neurotoxicity: A Pilot Comparison to Other Nanomaterials

“…It is therefore of greatest importance that safety considerations are implemented at an early stage during the development of biomedical nanomaterials for CNS applications. [61,62] For this to happen, a better understanding of the nanomaterial physicochemical characteristics that may induce adverse effects in the brain, such as inflammation, is warranted. This is particularly essential for biomedical nanomaterials developed to treat brain diseases that already have an inflammatory component.…”