Graphene and Reproduction: A Love-Hate Relationship

Abstract

Since its discovery, graphene and its multiple derivatives have been extensively used in many fields and with different applications, even in biomedicine. Numerous efforts have been made to elucidate the potential toxicity derived from their use, giving rise to an adequate number of publications with varied results. On this basis, the study of the reproductive function constitutes a good tool to evaluate not only the toxic effects derived from the use of these materials directly on the individual, but also the potential toxicity passed on to the offspring. By providing a detailed scientometric analysis, the present review provides an updated overview gathering all the research studies focused on the use of graphene and graphene-based materials in the reproductive field, highlighting the consequences and effects reported to date from experiments performed in vivo and in vitro and in different animal species (from Archea to mammals). Special attention is given to the oxidized form of graphene, graphene oxide, which has been recently investigated for its ability to increase the in vitro fertilization outcomes. Thus, the potential use of graphene oxide against infertility is hypothesized here, probably by engineering the spermatozoa and thus manipulating them in a safer and more efficient way.

Keywords: graphene; graphene oxide; graphene-derived materials; in vitro fertilization; reproduction; spermatozoa.

Figure 1

Annual scientific production. The annual growth rate shows 2012 as the starting year of publications in this field, growing exponentially since 2015 with a little collapse in 2017 and a subsequent rebound in 2018 (worthy to note that however the number of products remains very small). Blue dots correspond to the articles.

Figure 2

Graphene and reproduction. Graphic outline of the studies involving graphene and reproduction, either in vivo or in vitro, following different protocols and performed in different animal species.