Graphene‐Based Nanotechnology in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Abstract

Graphene‐based materials (GBMs) demonstrate unique electrochemical, mechanical, thermal, and optical properties rendering them attractive candidates for numerous biomedical applications. Since graphene's discovery, GBMs have been at the forefront of biomedical research offering innovative solutions for numerous diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). There are numerous reviews in which synthesis and functionalization methods of GBMs are discussed. However, this review focuses specifically on the recent research advances of GBMs for NDs, and more specifically, on sensing and therapeutic applications. After a short description of NDs’ main characteristics, significant attention is given to the functionalization strategies used to improve the biomedical properties of GBMs, and recent applications for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A description of the use of GBMs and neural stem cell technology and known toxicity issues, followed by several limitations that current GBMs need to overcome, completes this review.

Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles in Biomedical Sciences: Properties, Current Trends, Novel Opportunities and Emerging Challenges in Theranostic Nanomedicine

“…Nanotechnology has led to the development of various NP formulations for diagnostic applications, thereby revolutionizing treatment strategies of relevant diseases, whose outcomes depend on early and accurate detection, such as cancer [ 25 , 336 , 426 , 578 , 579 ], diabetes [ 580 , 581 , 582 ], gastrointestinal disorders [ 583 , 584 , 585 ], infectious diseases [ 586 , 587 , 588 , 589 ], and neurodegenerative disorders [ 590 , 591 , 592 ]. Imaging and point-of-care technologies are two specific fields that could benefit from the utilization of NPs [ 593 , 594 ].…”

Biological Evaluation of Graphene Quantum Dots and Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots as Neurotrophic Agents

“…The environmentally benign GO/PEDOT material facilitated the differentiation of NSCs into oligodendrocytes and neurons when modified with platelet-derived growth factor and biomolecules like interferon-γ, respectively . According to Cui’s research, GO may be modified for use as a cell scaffold by reducing its toxicity when combined with a conducting polymer. , On similar lines, Hang’s group described the preparation of conductive composite films of polypyrrole (PPy) doped with sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate and GO via electrochemical deposition of PPy on aligned PLLA fibers . This GO-based composite displayed a conductivity of 3.2 cm –1 with a positive effect and lengthening of neurites in the PC12 cell test.…”

Self-assembled three-dimensional hydrogels based on graphene derivatives and cerium oxide nanoparticles: scaffolds for co-culture of oligodendrocytes and neurons derived from neural stem cells

“…10,11 Graphene consists of a single layer of carbon atoms organized in a honeycomb lattice monolayer that can be arranged either in two-(2D) or three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds, thus resembling the complex architecture of the extracellular matrix. 12,13 Although most of the studies with NSCs have been performed in 2D graphene derivative-based scaffolds, recently, 3D scaffolds have been reported to better promote the proliferative ability of NSCs, while maintaining similar adhesion features. 14 Moreover, the physical properties of these 3D scaffolds including stiffness or pore geometry can modulate the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation capabilities of the NSCs.…”