The mechanical, optical, and thermal properties of graphene influencing its pre-clinical use in treating neurological diseases

Abstract

Rapid progress in nanotechnology has advanced fundamental neuroscience and innovative treatment using combined diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The atomic scale tunability of nanomaterials, which can interact with biological systems, has attracted interest in emerging multidisciplinary fields. Graphene, a two-dimensional nanocarbon, has gained increasing attention in neuroscience due to its unique honeycomb structure and functional properties. Hydrophobic planar sheets of graphene can be effectively loaded with aromatic molecules to produce a defect-free and stable dispersion. The optical and thermal properties of graphene make it suitable for biosensing and bioimaging applications. In addition, graphene and its derivatives functionalized with tailored bioactive molecules can cross the blood-brain barrier for drug delivery, substantially improving their biological property. Therefore, graphene-based materials have promising potential for possible application in neuroscience. Herein, we aimed to summarize the important properties of graphene materials required for their application in neuroscience, the interaction between graphene-based materials and various cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and their potential clinical applications in recording electrodes, drug delivery, treatment, and as nerve scaffolds for neurological diseases. Finally, we offer insights into the prospects and limitations to aid graphene development in neuroscience research and nanotherapeutics that can be used clinically.

Keywords: graphene; nanomaterials; neurons; neuroscience; treatment.

Figure 1

Structure diagram of graphene and other forms. (left) graphene; (middle) graphene oxide; (right) reduced graphene oxide. Kitko et al. (2018), Bramini et al. (2016), Ding et al. (2020), López-Dolado et al. (2016), and Serrano et al. (2018) with permission from Elsevier Ltd., copyright 2016.

Figure 2

(A) Phase-contrast microscopic image of neurons. (B) The average number of neurites per cell on graphene and TCP. (C) The average length of neurite on graphene and TCP. Data are expressed as mean ± SEM (n = 288 for TCPS and n = 315 for graphene, **p < 0.01). Li et al. (2011) with permission from Elsevier Ltd., copyright 2011.

Figure 3

(A–E) Qualitative results of confocal microscopy showing the viability of glioma cells by LIVE-DEAD staining. BF, bright field images, Green: live cells. Red: dead cells; Wang et al. (2013) with permission from ACS Publications, copyright 2013.

Figure 4

(A) The content of FGO loaded with pirfenidone was determined at the concentration of the drugs. (B) Graph of the release of pirfenidone from FGO by pH 5 and pH 7 in in a specific time point; Yang et al. (2015) with permission from Elsevier Ltd., copyright 2015.