Inhaling Graphene Deemed Safe in Human Trial

A human trial found that inhaling an ultra-pure version of graphene, known as the “wonder material,” didn’t cause any immediate negative impacts on lung and cardiovascular health in a limited number of healthy participants. This pioneering study paves the way for exploring a new approach to delivering drugs, particularly for treating conditions like cancer.

The primary objective of developing an efficient drug delivery system is to target diseased tissue with therapeutic agents in a precise manner, minimizing adverse effects on healthy tissue. Graphene oxide (GO), a derivative of graphene, has garnered interest for this purpose due to its chemical and mechanical stability, hydrophilic nature, large surface area, and biocompatibility.

Uncovering the Safety of Graphene Oxide (GO) through Human Trials

However, there is limited and inconsistent evidence regarding the safety of graphene oxide (GO) in humans, largely due to variations in the material’s sources and properties. In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, it was found that inhaling ultra-pure GO did not result in any adverse effects.

Mark Miller, one of the study’s corresponding authors, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safe manufacturing of nanomaterials like graphene before widespread use. He highlighted the significance of exploring graphene’s safety in human volunteers, underscoring the potential of nanotechnology when carefully designed for safety.

The researchers synthesized highly purified, metal- and endotoxin-free GO nanosheets, known as small GO (s-GO) and ultra-small GO (us-GO), and aerosolized them for inhalation. Fourteen healthy volunteers were exposed to either GO or filtered air for two hours, with respiratory rates standardized among individuals. Participants underwent repeated exposures to different sizes of GO or clean air for comparison.

GO Inhalation Shows Minimal Impact on Lung and Cardiovascular Function

Inhalation of GO did not result in acute adverse effects on lung or cardiovascular function or systemic inflammation in participants. However, there was a “mild increase” in thrombogenicity observed in an ex vivo model, indicating the need for further research on the effects of inhaled nanomaterials.

The study’s limitations, including the small number of participants and testing of a single GO dose, were acknowledged by the researchers. They suggested that larger studies or higher concentrations of GO may reveal subtler effects or longer exposure durations.

Despite the study’s advancements in assessing GO’s safety, challenges remain in mass-producing graphene and GO at low costs. Mass-scale production at an affordable cost is crucial for realizing the potential benefits of graphene and GO.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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