Graphene and its derivatives: understanding the main chemical and medicinal chemistry roles for biomedical applications

Abstract

Over the past few years, there has been a growing potential use of graphene and its derivatives in several biomedical areas, such as drug delivery systems, biosensors, and imaging systems, especially for having excellent optical, electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties. Therefore, nanomaterials in the graphene family have shown promising results in several areas of science. The different physicochemical properties of graphene and its derivatives guide its biocompatibility and toxicity. Hence, further studies to explain the interactions of these nanomaterials with biological systems are fundamental. This review has shown the applicability of the graphene family in several biomedical modalities, with particular attention for cancer therapy and diagnosis, as a potent theranostic. This ability is derivative from the considerable number of forms that the graphene family can assume. The graphene-based materials biodistribution profile, clearance, toxicity, and cytotoxicity, interacting with biological systems, are discussed here, focusing on its synthesis methodology, physicochemical properties, and production quality. Despite the growing increase in the bioavailability and toxicity studies of graphene and its derivatives, there is still much to be unveiled to develop safe and effective formulations.

Graphic abstract

Introduction

Advancement in nanotechnology and its applications to the field of medicines and pharmaceuticals have revolutionized the twentieth century. Nanotechnology studies small structures with a size range varying from 1 to 1000 nm, and at least one dimension. Thus, nanotechnological-based materials have a broad range of applications and create various nanomaterials and nanodevices [1, 2].

The application of nanotechnology in the medical field can assist in developing new means of diagnosis and treatment used in cancer, a disease whose early diagnosis is essential for the success of therapy. In this sense, particles of an organic nature (carbon-based nanoparticles, polymers, micelles, or lipids) or inorganic (semiconductor, noble metal, or magnetic nanoparticles) may be used for both diagnosis and cancer therapy [3,4,5,6,7,8]. Nanomedicine is one of the most promising nanotechnology applications in medicine and is identified as an essential strategy for diagnosis and cancer therapy. Applying nanoparticles allows the diffusion of drugs more quickly in the body and directs the drug to the specific target [9].

Carbon-based compounds have significant applications in biomedicine (Fig. 1). Among the carbon-based nanosystems, graphene and its derivative have increased carbon-based compound's employment in the biomedical area because of its unique structure and properties. Recently, Serrano-Aroca et al. [10] have proposed to use carbon-based nanomaterial against COVID-19. Regarding the chemistry of graphene and its derivative, the existence of functional groups, such as carboxylic acid (COOH), hydroxyls (OH), and epoxides (COC), on its surface, especially in graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), allows graphene to be coupled to different biomolecules, expanding the diversity of its biomedical applications [11,12,13,14].

Fig. 1

Source: authors

Possible applications of carbon-based nanocompounds in the biomedical field.

GO was first produced in 1860 by Brodie using graphite, potassium chloride, and nitric acid [15, 16]. Staudenmaier later introduced changes in the method that led to an increase in the oxidation process. Small amounts of chloride were added throughout the reaction, and the acidity increased by adding sulfuric acid [17]. The most used method for graphite oxide preparation is the Hummers method, developed in 1958, and uses potassium permanganate (KMnO₄), sodium nitrate (NaNO₃), and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) [18]. Sulfuric acid aids graphite oxidation with KMnO₄, as it acidifies the pH. Also, the Mn₂O₇ formed by the reaction of sulfuric acid and KMnO₄ possesses strong oxidation ability, which plays a crucial role in forming graphene oxide. Hammer’s method is adapted from Brodie’s graphite oxide synthesis. In Brodie’s methodology, potassium chlorate is added to graphite slurry in fuming nitric acid [19, 20]. Additionally, it adds alcohol, carboxylic acid, and deep oxide groups to the graphite molecule [21].

GO has been used in studies with prostate cancer [22], glioma [23], lung cancer [24], and esophageal cancer [25]. Additionally, it can be used as a carrier for drugs such as doxorubicin (DOX) [26], 5-fluorouracil [27], docetaxel [28], among other chemotherapies. It can also be applied in different techniques for the treatment and diagnosis of cancer. For instance, to selectively target cancer stem cells [29]. Finally, the use of graphene sheets showed to be efficient against SARS-Cov-2 by direct interaction with cell receptors as surface proteins [30].

This review highlights the research conducted with graphene and its derivative and its use in forming conjugates with molecules of different classes applied in developing techniques for the therapy and diagnosis. The results show that biosensors, imaging examinations, and nano drugs can be produced by conjugating graphene and its derivative with other compounds, including metals, biomolecules, polymers, and many others.

Review

Carbon-based nanomaterials

Carbon-based nanomaterials are constituted of carbon atoms. These carbon atoms have covalent bonds composed of sp² orbitals with a hexagonal arrangement, which originates from three types of nanostructures (1) zero-dimensional fullerenes and carbon quantum dots; (2) one-dimensional, carbon nanotubes; (3) and two-dimensional, graphene [31]. There are countless applications of this class of nanomaterials [32], including targeting drugs [33], biosensors [34,35,36], photoeletrochemisty [37], energy storage [38], and tissue engineering [39]. Also, carbon-based nanomaterials have demonstrated efficient antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. According to Rivera-Briso et al. [40], carbon-based nanomaterial showed relevant antibacterial activity avoiding biofilm formation. Carbon-based nanomaterial has demonstrated an important use as an antibacterial nano-agent, especially against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis infections [41, 42], multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis [43], and Gram-Positive Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens [44].

An important aspect related to carbon-based nanomaterial is the potential to enhance the biological properties of polymers. In this direction, Serrano-Aroca et al. [45] have crosslinked alginate films with GO to increase water perfusion by compressing this nanomaterial. Also, alginate-graphene oxide has been used to stabilize hydrogels [46,47,48] and increase biomedical applications [49,50,51].

Graphene and its derivatives

Graphene, the mother of all graphitic forms of carbon, consists of a crystalline material with sp² hybridized carbon atoms, forming a hexagonal arrangement with a structure similar to honeycombs [52]. Graphene possesses an atomic thickness, which allows fluid permeability. The graphene honeycomb shape also enables its application for size-selective transport through its 2D nanochannels between adjacent stacked graphene sheets [53]. Due to all these features, graphene is considered a new building block for membranes [54], able to carry out effective sieving comparable to conventional materials.

Graphene is a recent addition to carbon allotropes and must outperform all other, becoming a helpful material for life and materials sciences due to its many intrinsic properties [55]. Because it has a very flexible structure, graphene can take different forms, such as sphere, ellipsoid, or even tubular (fullerene), cylinder [carbon nanotube (NTC)], or “stacked” graphene sheets (graphite). Bhuyan et al. reported that this material was made by two English scientists, Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, at the University of Manchester, through an exfoliation from graphite giving the Nobel prize in physics to both [56]. Torres reported the graphene family had drawn the attention of an increasing number of researchers working in various areas from composites to molecular electronics [57]. The ability of graphene and its derivative to interact with other molecules through several processes that may include physical [58] and chemical [59] processes is one of these materials' main advantages.

The basic building blocks of all carbon nanostructures are a single graphical layer functionally C–C carbon atoms linked in a hexagonal honeycomb structure that forms 3D bulk graphite when the layers of graphical honeycomb trusses are stacked and connected by a weak Van der Waals force. A graphite layer is monoatomic or single-layer graphene, while two to three graphite layers are bilayer and tri-layer graphene, respectively [56].

An interesting derivative of graphene is its reduced form rGO (reduced graphene oxide). rGO presents the formation of the layered deposit, accompanied by the removal of the oxygenated groups of graphene oxide (GO) through electrochemical oxidation, where the carboxylic acids pass in the form of CO₂, producing a film of rGO, having a much lesser number of oxygen functional groups than GO [60]. Another example has been reported by Palanisamy et al. [61]. In their study using an rGO modified electrode, 8 μL of GO solution was dropped on pre-cleaned GCE and dried in an air oven. Then, GO composite modified electrode was transferred into an electrochemical cell containing pH 5 and applied a constant potential of – 1.4 V for 300 s. Finally, GO was transformed into rGO. The rGO can be obtained from chemical, thermal, microwave, or photochemical methods, reducing its oxygen content [62]. Thus, it is expected that on the surface of rGO, there are eventually hydroxyl and epoxide groups, with only a partial reduction of GO. However, the main differences between GO and rGO are the predominance of carboxyl’s, many defects, and lower oxygen content in the reduced form [63]. Recently, Ansari and Siddiqui [64] have used Ficus carica, to promote the deoxygenation of graphene oxide with good results (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2

Source: authors

Classification of nanomaterials according to their classes: a Inorganic nanomaterials, consisting of metallic (noble, magnetic, oxide, and quantum dots) and non-metallic (mesoporous silica with magnetic core and mesoporous silica hollow) nanomaterials; b organic nanomaterials, consisting of polymers (nanosphere, nanocapsules, and dendrimers) and lipids (micelles and liposome); and c carbon nanomaterials, consisting of graphene, fullerene, nanotubes, and carbon dots.

A growing area of science is the use of rGO in different polymeric materials. The interest stems from the possibility of preparing conductive composites with tailored electrical characteristics, possibly using the high inherent mechanical properties related to strong and rigid sp² hybridized interconnected carbon atoms. Most studies on the applied use of rGO rely on the Hummers method used to exfoliate GO sheets and from graphite [65]. Graphite is the most well-known raw material used in the top-down approach to synthesize reduced rGO, while graphite oxide is obtained by treating the graphite with strong oxidizing agents. This material can be defined as a set of functionalized sheets of graphene formed by different functional oxygen groups, such as epoxides, hydroxides, and carboxyl. According to the report of Lavin-Lopez et al.[66], the incorporation of oxygen groups in graphite makes its structure less hydrophobic, allowing the separation of its layers in an aqueous solution by sonication to obtain GO [66]. Also, the presence of oxygen groups in GO and rGO has demonstrated increased hydrophilicity [67].

The method presents a vigorous laboratory route for the raw material that is beneficial because of the natural dispersion of the leaves resulting from the polarity of the surface introduced, which facilitates the separation of the leaves in the aqueous medium [65].

GO is another derivative of graphene considered one of the most visible results of graphene research in terms of prospects for large-scale production and commercialization. GO can be easily prepared by oxidation–exfoliation of graphite in solutions under stirring [68]. It is a two-dimensional (2D) crystalline structure made of carbon and organized in a hexagonal pattern with several functional oxygen groups on the surface. GO is considered a stronger tempering element with great potential in biodetection applications because of sp² hybridization, π–π and/or n–π orbital interactions, and its versatile bioconjugation chemicals [69]. The functional groups of GO can be easily combined with other biomolecules and biomaterials. Additionally, the advantage of GO, compared to graphene, is its ease of dissolution in water and other solvents due to the functional groups of oxygen [70].

In the GO synthesis process, graphite oxide is first prepared by forming hydroxyl or carboxyl groups, covalently bound to a graphite planar carbon network. The material then is treating with oxidizing agents, such as sulfuric and nitric acid exfoliated in GO single-layer or monolayer containing a high density of deformations in its structure. Due to its capability to form a stable suspension in water, GO is one of the main product segments in the graphene market. Figure 3 shows graphene sheets of small size can be obtained by subsequent reduction of GO, which can eliminate most of its oxygen-containing functional groups and partially recover its carbon network linked to sp² [71]. Thus, to conclude, graphene is a single carbon layer of graphite structure, describing its nature by the analogy of a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon of quasi-infinite size. The rGO is the preparation obtained from reduced graphene oxide by thermal, chemical, or electrical treatments. Pristine graphene is another derivative of graphene studied, whose surface lacks chemical substances functionality to allow covalent modifications without interrupting its orbital π-system [72]. Taniselass et al. reported that the reduction of GO is the widely accepted route because this strategy can achieve pristine graphene [73]. The ease of production of pristine graphene, through the liquid phase method, allows us to generate the first high content of graphene bio-hybrids, which are commercially viable and exhibit superior biocompatibility [74].

Fig. 3

Source: authors

a Graphene oxide obtained by graphite exfoliation. b Is presented the reduced graphene oxide structured; as the graphene oxide defect. c Reactive groups present in graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide.

The graphene has another origin called graphene quantum dots (GQDs), a quantum form of this material with small sizes (preferable less than 10 nm), containing some layers of the material. This type of graphene may show high optical absorption in the UV region, enhancing electroluminescence [75]. The GQDs have been widely studied in recent years due to their unique structure-related properties, such as optical and electrical. Due to intrinsic inert carbon property and chemically and physically stable GQDs, they are considered a new class of quantum dots. Additionally, they are environmentally friendly due to their non-toxic properties and inertia in the biological environment and have attracted worldwide interest from the academic and industry sectors [76, 77].

In this regard, GQDs are nanomaterials exploited for medical applications have shown excellent performances, which could replace some traditional materials in this field. There have been continuous efforts in controlling these materials for other new medical applications due to recent promising results in the area [78]. Among these applications, we can mention electrochemical immunosensors [79], bioimaging [80], and drug delivery [81].

GQDs present several new nanomaterial features, including quantum confinement, size, and edge effects. Its advantages, such as low toxicity, water-solubility, high biocompatibility, and ease of functionalization, are crucial for biomedical applications. They have also attracted growing interests in catalysis, bioimage, and flowering detection [82].

Due to versatility, ranging from compounds to flexible electronics, several scientists have a growing interest in different fields. In biomedical applications, graphene is involved in the administration and targeting of drugs, genes, imaging agents, biosensors, and tissue engineering, with contributions to nanomedicine. With exciting results and success attained, there are still problems regarding the manufacture of biomedical devices, including the lack of standardization in the production of the members of the graphene family requiring attention [83]. Finally, it is essential to notice that GO nanosheets can be crosslinked by coordination chemistry with divalent cations of Ca, Zn, and Sr to form more extensive materials in the form of irregular tubes of GO [84].

Properties and methods of obtaining graphene

According to Vieira and Vilar, the properties of graphene (thermal, electrical, and mechanical) make this product an excellent competitor for a variety of applications in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The electrical conductivity (up to 2.104 S cm⁻¹) and electronic mobility (2.105 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹, which is more than 100 times greater than that of silicon) in the graphene monolayer result from a small effective mass. Since the electronic structure of a graphene monolayer overlaps two conical points in the Brillouin zone, charge carriers can be understood as “massless” or “no mass” electrons or Dirac fermions [85].

Graphene has a large specific theoretical area (2630 m² g⁻¹) [86], high intrinsic mobility (200,000 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹) [87], Young's modulus (1.0 TPa) [88], thermal conductivity (5000 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹) [89]. Additionally, the optical transmittance (97.7%) and good electrical conductivity deserve attention and support capacity and current density of 108 A cm⁻², among several potential applications for applications such as transparent conductive electrodes. Bhuyan et al. reported that its potential could not be fully explored without economically developed surface techniques for synthesizing high-quality and high-area graphene [56].

The most common way of obtaining graphene is through graphite. However, it can also be obtained through recycling. Recent research shows that graphene allows the evaporation of water without allowing other liquids and gases to escape from the container, thus, making it fit for the desalination of sea water [90].

Different processes such as the adhesive tape method, exfoliation, mechanical delamination, silicon carbide synthesis, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), microwave treatment, oxidation, and chemical reduction methods have been explored by many researchers worldwide [91]. Graphene synthesis methods include top–down and bottom–up approaches. The first one involves breaking graphite stacked layers to yield graphene sheets, while in the bottom–up processes, one starts with structures smaller than graphene to reach the desired dimension [92, 93]. Thus, for example, the exfoliation method is the primary representative of the top–down approach and CVD as a viable bottom–up method to obtain graphene.

According to Reina et al. [94], CVD is a procedure considered inexpensive, which produces high-quality monolayer and low-layer graphene with a low number of defects being significantly useful for creating bioelectronic devices [94]. CVD is made of poly and monocrystalline metals, particularly copper or nickel surfaces. Additionally, when these substrates are unsuitable for end-use, transferring graphene methods to appropriate surfaces can be performed.

The wide variety of methods for synchronizing graphene in sizes, such as the process of mechanical exfoliation and cleavage, CVD, or chemical reduction of GO, can be grouped into two categories: bottom–up or down–up. The bottom–up approach synthesizes graphene starting with carbon atoms or molecules and accumulates in graphene deposited on a substrate. In contrast, in the top–down approach, a pattern generated on a large scale (graphite) is decreased to graphene [66].

There are four primary methods for oxidizing graphite-to-graphene oxide: Brodie (BRGO), Staudenmaier (STGO), Hofmann (HOGO), and Hummers (HUGO) methods [95,96,97,98]. These methods are performed in an acidic environment combined with potent oxidizing agents, such as potassium permanganate or potassium perchlorate. The technique used intensely influences the amount of specific functional groups (OH, COOH, ketones, and epoxides) and the degree of oxidation (C/O ratio) [12, 99]. Graphene sheets in different oxidation states can be obtained by modulating the other acid conditions in the exfoliation method. For example, GO with varying oxidation states was achieved at increasing graphite and KMnO₄ (1:2, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8, 1:10, and 1:12) [100]. Theoretical calculations indicated that epoxy groups create a bridge between adjacent carbon atoms and enlargement in lattice constant and C–O bond length and shortening of C–C bond length during progressive oxidation.

Structure of graphene oxide and theoretical simulation—models

In 1939, Hofmann and Holstd built a structural GO model in which many epoxy groups were randomly distributed in the graphite layer [101], while Ruess and Vogt) updated this model by incorporating the hydroxyl entities and alternating the basal plane structure (sp² hybridized model) with sp³ hybridized carbon system [102]. Furthermore, Scholz and Boehm proposed a less ordered structure with double C–C bonds and C=C bonds periodically cleaved in the conjugated carbon layers, hydroxyl, and carbonyl groups in different environments, free of ether oxygen [103]. Additionally, Nakajima and Matsuo proposed a lattice structure similar to the graphite intercalating compound (GIC) in stage 2. They suggested it because graphite oxide fluorination provides the same X-ray diffraction pattern as stage 2 graphite fluoride (C₂F) [15].

Lerf et al. characterize their GO by ¹³C and ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and subsequently observed the 60 ppm line best related to epoxide groups (1,2-ethers) other than 1,3-ethers, and the 130 ppm line to aromatic entities and conjugated double bonds [104]. The carbon atoms attached to the OH groups slightly distorted their tetrahedral structure, resulting in partial wrinkles of the layers. They proposed an almost flat carbon grid structure with randomly distributed aromatic regions with benzene rings and six-membered aliphatic rings. Savazzi et al. reported that the Lerf and Klinowski model (L–K model) becomes one of the most acceptable for moderately oxidized samples. However, all the previous models could not explain the origin of GO planar acidity, a well-known chemical property for GO [105]. Szabó et al. proposed a slightly modified model based on Scholz-Boehm model. They were based on the results of the elementary analysis, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR) in the infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electronic rotation resonance in addition to NMR. They then proposed a carboxylic acid-free model, comprising two distinct domains: related cyclohexyl species, interspersed with tertiary alcohols and 1,3-ethers, and a corrugated network of keto/quinoid species [106].

Table 1 shows the GO structure studied by a wide variety of methods. The results obtained by solid-state NMR [107, 108], X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption edge spectroscopy (XANES) [109,110,111], infrared by FTIR [112], and Raman spectroscopy [113] suggest the best description of the GO leaf structure is given by the Lerf-Klinowski model [104] and updated by Gao et al. (2009). This model represents each GO particle by the basal plane of sp³ hybridized carbon atoms with chemically linked hydroxyl and epoxy functional groups located near each other on both sides of the plane [114]. Carboxyl groups terminate the edges of the basal plane with five- or six-membered lactol rings (O–C–O), ketone, and tertiary alcohol ester [115]. Fuji and Enoki demonstrated that GO particles always contain some primary domains of grapheme [116]. The content and size of domains are related to the conditions of the GO exfoliation/oxidation process. The intensity of the sp³ hybridization of the C-O bond that induces a structural distortion of the basal plane revealed by electronic energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) is related to the conditions for obtaining GO and the initial graphite structure [117].

Table 1 Method of preparation of graphene oxide

One of the disadvantages of adding sodium nitrate in the Hummers method is that it can increase oxidation in the basal planes of graphite leaves, which has caused enormous stress resulting in rupture and peeling [118]. This way, it is advantageous to opt for a process based on the complete removal of NaNO₃ [119] or to replace it with K₂S₂O₈ [120], H₃PO₄ [121], or K₂FeO₄ [19]. The elimination of nitrate is more ecological, as it completely stops the production of toxic gases such as NO₂ and N₂O₄ [121].

Additionally, it avoids the absorption of nitrogen contamination in the GO structure. Recently, it was demonstrated that the exclusion of NaNO₃ does not affect the yield of the general reaction, and GO is obtained with almost the same properties as conventional methods [119]. Nitrate-free approaches are generally lighter than the original Hummers method. The careful control of water quantity and reaction temperature leads GO with hydroxyl and epoxy rich GO domains or more carbonyl rich GO domains (Fig. 4), respectively [122].

Fig. 4

Adapted from Jin et al. 2011 [173]

The synthesis of GOs with controlled species of oxygenated groups.

¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance in the solid-state

GO is one or a few thick atomic layers of carbon atoms attached to different groups, such as epoxy, hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl. The exact structure of GO is still a cause for debate. The nature, quantity, and distribution of the different groups in GO depend on the synthesis method, while the reduction depends on the process and the nature of the reducing agent [106]. Nuclear magnetic resonance in the solid-state (NMR) is a good technique for analyzing the structure of the materials. The ¹³C and ¹H NMR spectra of GO exhibit three prominent peaks at 60, 70, and 130 ppm [117]. In some studies, four peaks were found at 57.6, 69.2, 92.9, and 166.3 ppm. In high resolution, the ¹³C NMR spectra of GO also shown three smaller peaks at 101, 167, and 191 ppm, respectively [118].

GO leaves are gigantic molecules that fall into the category of colloids. GO dispersions in water are too diluted to be analyzed by the Nuclear magnetic resonance in a liquid phase. In the literature, the most powerful and precise technique for characterizing GO is solid-state ¹³C NMR. Due to the low natural abundance of ¹³C (1.1%), the signal-to-noise ratio is low when measuring regular samples. The long acquisition time is usually a necessity for good quality data. Therefore, Cai et al. prepared a C-enriched GO sample and clarified its chemical structure to a new level [107].

Interestingly, although the isotopic labeling of GO has dramatically improved the resolution of the solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) analysis, there are still some unassigned peaks in this work. Subsequently, other reports were published with more detailed attributions of those peaks, such as a new identification of the 101-ppm peak, which has long been ignored by previous researchers [121].

Figure 5 shows a typical comparison of a cross-polarization spectrum from ¹H to ¹³C and a direct pulse of ¹³C spectrum obtained from unmarked GO, with quantitative data on the relative ratio of all these functionalities to 115 (hydroxyl and epoxy): 3 (lactol O–C–O): 63 (graphitic carbon sp²): 10 (lactol + ester + acid carbonyl): 9 (carbonyl ketone) [123].

Fig. 5

Adapted from Georgakilas et al. 2012 [174]

A 1 H-13 C cross-polarization (CP) GO spectrum obtained with 7.6 kHz MAS and a contact time of 1 ms (67,000 scans, at the top) and a 13 C direct pulse spectrum obtained with 12 kHz MAS and a 90° 13C pulse (10,000 scans). The peak at 101 ppm is caused by five-carbon and six-membered ring lactols.

More advanced SSNMR techniques were later used for GO characterization, including 2D-¹³C double quantum/single-quantum (2Q/SQ) correlation, SSNMR, ¹³C displacement chemical anisotropy change (CSA) 2D SSNMR/correlation of isotropic change SSNMR, and triple quantum 2D/correlation of single quantum (3Q/SQ) SSNMR [108]. The 2Q/SQ spectrum eliminates diagonal signals in the 2D spectrum, offering a clearer correlation signal between carbon ¹³C–OH and carbon ¹³C–O–¹³C (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6

Adapted from Chen et al. 2013 [119]

a Experimental spectrum SSNMR correlation 2D¹³C DQ/SQ uniformly labeled with 13 C VAI using coherence transfer from ¹³ to ¹³C J. Fast recycling with short recycling delays of 0.3 s and low power. Decoupling (7 kHz). The signal designations in a are those made by Hummers and Offeman (1958) and confirming the carrier frequency was established at 211.17 ppm; b, c DQ/SQ correlation predicted spectra based on isotropic chemical shifts calculated for b model A and c model B; (d, e). Structural models for d model A and e model B from the upper and lower side views. Carbons in d, e are color-coded to match the spectra in (b, c). Red and white spheres denote O and H, respectively. ¹³C at the edge of the models (light blue or green) was not included in (b, c). The calculated spectrum b based on model A reproduced the experimental spectrum a well.

Interestingly, the theoretical simulation was used simultaneously to fit these data with simplified GO structure models and satisfactory fit obtained by calculations, with the structure model A (with only 1, 2-ether). All of these analyzes significantly helped to identify the chemical structure of GO, leading to greater clarity in its chemical compositions. However, it is also important to note that all these SSNMR characterizations were made on GO samples manufactured using the modified Hummers method. The GO products from other methods differ in the relative proportion of these features [121].

Functionalization of graphene-based nanomaterials

The chemical modification of graphene surface, by the insertion of molecules, polymers, copolymers, macromolecules, among other chemical compounds, improves its properties and behavior, promoting characteristics suitable for medical applications [124, 125].

Figure 7 shows the main altered graphene characteristics by its functionalization, comprises its toxicity reduction due to the coupled agents biomimicry and the ability of cellular capture profile. Changes promoted by functionalization of nanosystems uptake have significant interest for the biomedical area. These changes can make nanocomplexes more specific to drugs, genes, or imaging agent applications [126], preventing uptake by phagocytic cells of the reticuloendothelial system [127], and inhibit the binding of opsonin proteins, which lead to recognition by phagocytic cells [128]. Consequently, there is an increase in the circulation time of the nanosystems, and their active targeting results in lesser side effects, reduced doses, greater adherence, and, finally, improvement in the patient’s quality of life [129].

Fig. 7

Source: authors

Main effects of nanomaterials functionalization.

Graphene-based nanomaterials require strategies for the functionalization of their surface that allows reaching and exploiting their full potential. Hence, approaches and procedures are developed to expand and improve its characteristics, enabling its applications in materials engineering and nanotechnology.

Methodologies to functionalize graphene and its derivative

Covalent method

Numerous functional groups can be anchored to GO and rGO through typical organic reactions, such as amidation, esterification, and silanization, covering a wide range of molecules, including all types of aliphatic and aromatic amines, amino acids, biomolecules, silanes, polymers, and some nanoparticles [130]. For the characterization of the products obtained by the functionalization of graphene through the covalent method, the electron microscopy techniques, Raman spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy are the primary tools applied.

Amidation

According to the conventional method, the chemical modification through amidation consists of a two-step synthesis [131]. As shown in Fig. 8, first, the carboxylic acid groups on the nanomaterial surface are activated using coupling agents, such as carbodiimide derivates (EDC or DDC). The nucleophilic addition is performed, in which the nucleophile, represented by the amino group (R²-NH₂), attacks the carbonyl of activated-carboxylic acid groups of GO molecules (R¹-COOH).

Fig. 8

Source: authors

General mechanism of the amination reaction; R Compound to be inserted.

Graphene amidation allows the synthesis of a material with a wide variety of applications. One of these applications is biosensors production, whose purpose is to detect a specific analyte to quantify it or monitor or diagnose a particular health condition. In this regard, several studies [132,133,134] exemplified this strategy. Li et al. developed a thrombin biosensor composed of graphene, linked to a double-stranded DNA, and gold nanoparticles linked to the thrombin-binding aptamer [135]. DNA has the function of facilitating the dispersion of GO in the physiological medium and is linked covalently through the amidation reaction. On the other hand, gold nanoparticles provide the appropriate microenvironment for immobilizing DNA and facilitate the transfer of electrons between it and the electrodes. Begun et al. performed the immobilization of chitosan in GO surface through the amidation reaction between chitosan amine and nanomaterial carboxylic groups, allowing the production of a matrix for simultaneous detection of dopamine and uric acid [132].

Ye et al. reported the functionalization of GQDs with bovine serum albumin to identify and quantify tryptophan enantiomers. Yang et al. developed rGO functionalized with polyaniline, a nitrogenous polymer, for the detection of procalcitonin for early diagnosis of sepsis [136, 137]. As a result, gold nanoparticles were anchored to graphene already functionalized to promote the fixation of the components responsible for detecting and quantifying the biomarker.

In addition, to studies related to biosensors, there is also interest in using these nanocomplexes in the targeted transport of drugs, imaging agents, and genes. Several studies have investigated this application. As a new gene nanocarrier, Imani et al. explored the viability of GO functionalized with octaarginine conjugated amidation [138].

Abdollahi et al., in a study, coated nanocomplexes of GO coupled to iron oxide with poly (ethylene glycol) bis (amine) (PEGA), covalently linked to graphene from amide bonds, in addition to being related to the drug. This nanoplatform was used as a methotrexate carrier to increase cytotoxicity to tumor cells, increase stability, blood circulation time, and biocompatibility [139].

In their study, Liu et al. developed a docetaxel co-targeting nanosystem, an antineoplastic, with genes (MMP-9 shRNA) associated with apoptosis and tumor cell metastasis. This nanosystem consists of GO functionalized with highly branched poly(amidoamine) (HPPA) by the covalent method. The amidation reaction occurs with the formation of an amide bond between the graphene and HPPA [140]. Finally, Yang et al. developed a functionalized graphene nanoplatform capable of carrying the drug pirfenidone to improve the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage. This nanoplatform was produced from amidation reactions between the carboxylic groups of GO and amino groups of the amino methoxy poly (ethylene glycol) (mPEG–NH₂) [141].

Another pertinent use of this nanomaterial is to develop material to assist in the remediation of water through the adsorption of contaminants. Sun et al. developed rGO hydrogel functionalized with triethylenetetramine (TETA) capable of removing pollutants from Copper (II) and ciprofloxacin (an antimicrobial drug) from aqueous solutions [142]. In addition, Wang et al. developed a new magnetic nanodevice synthesized with GO covalently functionalized with poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) [143]. This nanoplatform was established to remove hexavalent chromium from water and soil.

Esterification

The esterification reaction is another route used to change the chemistry of graphene. Its application was observed in several areas, such as the development of a biosensitivity [144], used for quantification of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). This plasticizing agent can migrate from the packaging to the product and cause various health problems. This biosensor consists of GO functionalized with dendrimer molecules of polyamine terminated with ferrocenecarboxylic acid (FcAED). This functionalization occurred through the esterification reaction between the carboxylic terminal groups of the FcAED molecule and the hydroxyl groups on the GO surface.

Li explored a GO compound covalently coupled to l-borneol, a monoterpene in essential oils from plants such as Dryobalanops aromatic and Mentha spicata, with described antimicrobial and antifungal activity [145]. First, GO was modified with thiomalic acid, which promotes the opening of the epoxide ring and binds to free sp³ carbon to increase the available carboxylic groups in the nanomaterial, potentiating the esterification reaction with borneol. This alcohol will react both with the carbonyls of thiomalic acid anchored on the nanomaterial surface and with the carbonyls of the carboxylic groups of GO. In this way, a nanoplatform capable of inhibiting, in vitro tests, the adhesion and growth of the fungus Mucor racemosus was developed. Meng et al. performed the functionalization of GO by esterifying it with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), thus producing a nanosystem with great potential for targeting drugs. β-CD is a cyclic oligosaccharide composed of six units of D-glucose that has a hydrophobic interior and hydrophilic exterior [146].

Sarvari et al. explored the use of graphene nanomaterials in the production of scaffolding used in tissue engineering has been investigated and performed the esterification of rGO with 3-thiophene acetic acid (TAA), to be used later as an initiator of the subsequent polymerization reactions with poly (3-dodecyl thiophene) and poly (3-thiophene ethanol) [147]. Additionally, Wu et al. developed a porous scaffold for use in the engineering of bone or cartilage tissues, formed by starch covalently linked with GO through the ester link between the hydroxyls of the glucose units and the carbonyls of the carboxylic acids present in the nanomaterial [148].

Raheem et al. produced a new electrode based on graphene esterified with glycerol, which detects electrocardiogram signals with high conductivity and less noise, comparatively more efficient than the commercially available electrode. This fact occurs because glycerol is conjugated to nanomaterial through three groups of carboxylic acids present in different sheets of GO connecting them, thus increasing the conductivity of the device [149].

Silanization

Organosilane (Fig. 9) are used to form covalent bonds between silicon and GO. Organosilane is a monomer in which silicon is attached to hydrolysable groups and non-hydrolysable groups. The general formula of an organosilane is RSiY₃, where Y is a hydrolysable group, which can be halogen, alkoxy (–CO–), acyloxy (–COO–) or amine (–NH₂), and the group R is a non-hydrolysable group, which provides the desired characteristics to the final compound [150].

Fig. 9

Source: authors

Reaction of silanization, whose mechanism is not elucidated.

Wen et al. developed a complex nanoplatform, in which graphene-based nanocarrier is functionalized with 3-(2-aminoethylamino) propyltrimethoxysilane (AEAPTMS) are incorporated into spheres of mesoporous silica. The objective of using functionalized graphene nanomaterial from silanization is to produce multifunctional nanoplatforms capable of providing high luminescence without unwanted effects, such as blinking or photobleaching, and enabling the transport of substances, such as drugs or other diagnostic agents [151].

In several studies by Hassan et al. (2020) and Yu et al. (2017), graphene nanoplatforms functionalized with silane groups were used to remove metals from aqueous solutions. Hassan et al. developed a new hybrid system composed of a magnetic material (magnetic sporopollenin) coupled to GO through the 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane silane group (CTPS), covalently linked to graphene. This hybrid material has improved efficiency for removing Lead (II) from the aqueous medium [152]. Song et al. [153] used Fe3O4-modified ultrasmall graphene oxide to eliminate ppm-level pollutants (methylene blue) [154]. Yu et al. prepared a new nanosystem through the silanization reaction between organosilane, γ-(2,3-epoxypropoxy) propyltrimethoxysilane coupled to β-cyclodextrin (β-CD /GPTMS) and GO for removing copper (II) ion in water [155]. Song et al. [156] have demonstrated the ability of PEGylated-graphene oxide (PEG-GO) to remove water-insoluble pesticides. In this direction, by use of carboxymethyl chitosan-modified carbon nanoparticles (CMC@CNP) have been used to remove emamectin benzoate (widely used insecticide) [157]. Mahmoud et al. [158] have used multifunctionalized GO to remove dyes (crystal violet and black 5), with success. In this direction Malinga and Jarvis [159] used rGO for removal of Cr(VI). The results showed that rGO could be used, especially in association with Cobalt (complex Co-rGO) as a recycle nanosystem for Cr(VI) removal. Finally, Menezes et al. have demonstrated the use of GQDs to remove radioactive waste materials, especially uranium (²³⁸U), from complex liquids [160].

Noncovalent method

This method offers a means to enhance and adjust the properties of graphene without changing its chemical structure and conductivity since it is based on the adsorption of surfactants, polymers, and biomolecules. Stabilization using surfactants occurs by the formation of micelles or hemi-micelles on the surface of the nanosheet. Thus, interactions between surfactant molecules and graphene can be exploited to achieve desirable colloidal stability [161]. On the other hand, hydrophilic and amphiphilic polymers are efficiently absorbed over the sheets to provide a steric barrier and prevent restacking [161]. In addition, biomolecules such as proteins [162], peptides [163], and vitamins [164] are attractive from the standpoint of their safety and non-immunogenicity, enabling the biomedical applications of graphene.

As explained in the previous section, the covalent method occurs by reaction between the oxygenated groups on the GO surface and the functional groups of specific molecules. Meanwhile, the noncovalent method is based on the electrostatic interaction and van der Waals forces. This process does not change the chemical structure, and it is easy to perform [165]. Baek et al. report a simple and generalized synthesis method for preparing nanoparticle/exfoliated graphene (EG) composites by tailored electrostatic interactions [166]. In this work, the authors introduced Cl⁻ and MoS₄^2– anions on the surface of metals, semiconductors, and magnetic nanoparticles by a two-phase ligand exchange reaction. Negatively charged nanoparticles were selectively assembled at the positively charged edges of exfoliated graphene treated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) without aggregation.

Intermolecular forces are interactions between molecules and are decisive for defining the macroscopic properties of the substance, such as physical state, viscosity, melting point, and boiling point. The nature of the interaction, polarizability, and contact area are the parameters that define its intensity. The main intermolecular interactions observed in the noncovalent modification of graphene are (1) π–π interactions and (2) hydrogen bonding.

The π–π interactions are a type of dispersion force applied to aromatic compounds. Dispersion forces occur between non-polar compounds. At first, it could be considered that there are no intermolecular interactions between non-polar molecules since these interactions are electrostatic, and non-polar molecules do not have real or partial dipoles since the charge distribution is homogeneous. However, a particular concentration of electrons occurs in one specific region of the molecule at a particular moment. This way, one part will have a partial negative charge and another, a partial positive charge, momentarily generating an instantaneous dipole, spreading to neighboring molecules. This instantaneous dipole originates due to the property of polarizability, which can have the electronic cloud distorted, which depends on a short distance between the molecules [167].

The hydrogen bond is a particular case of dipole–dipole interaction, which is represented by X–H–Y, where the hydrogen atom (H) is between two electronegative species and has a pair of free electrons (X and Y), which can be oxygen or nitrogen [168]. The electrostatic nature of these interactions has energy less than 20 kJ mol⁻¹, which is below the energy present in chemical bonds, which are in the order of 250 kJ mol⁻¹. When combined, they can be as strong as some covalent bonds. This method is the strategy of many researchers to produce new materials based on graphene using the noncovalent approach [55]. In this context, Niu et al. used this method to functionalize the pristine graphene through π–π interactions with 3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid (PTCA). This process allows the introduction of carboxylic groups to the nanomaterial without causing deformations in its structure and promoting the amidation reaction between the CH amino group and the perylene carboxylic acid. As a result, they developed a biosensor to detect and quantify tryptophan enantiomers [133].

Oz et al. reported the noncovalent association of a maleimide-catechol compound (DOPA-MAL) with rGO from π–π interactions and hydrogen bonds. This nanosystem has been associated with doxorubicin (DOX) to evaluate the treatment of cervical cancer (HeLa) and breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) [169].

Díez-Pascual and Díez-Vicente developed scaffolding for the engineering of synthesized fabrics based on the incorporation of poly (propylene fumarate) (PFF) and poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) in GO sheets, through van der Waals and numerous hydrogen bonds between nanomaterial and polymers, and between the polymers themselves. Tensile tests showed strong adhesion of polymers to GO and good stiffness and resistance, including biological media, which confirms the ability of this nanoplatform to provide adequate support for the formation of bone tissue [170].

Pristine graphene

Pristine graphene has a rich aromatic system and a planar structure, in addition to a strongly hydrophobic character. Moreover, rGO has less aromatic character, limited solubility in an aqueous medium, and still tends to aggregate through π–π interactions. On the other hand, GO has deformations in the planar structure due to the high density of sp³ carbons, resulting from the insertion of functional groups containing oxygen, making it more soluble in water [130]. The graphene family’s large surface and the predominantly planar area provide a platform that makes it possible to anchor several chemical species.

There are two main functionalization methods shown in Fig. 10: (1) covalent method, which involves the oxygenated groups of graphene, and (2) noncovalent method, which occurs through intermolecular interactions. The main advantage of using techniques related to hydrophobic or electrostatic interactions is that it does not promote changes in the structure of graphene. However, there are some disadvantages to the noncovalent method that are related to its binding strength. Noncovalent interactions are not as strong as covalent bonds, making the nanoplatform less robust and less stable in vitro and in vivo when interacting with biological systems. On the other hand, covalent functionalization, much explored with the use of GO and rGO, disturbs the π system, which means that essential properties such as electrical conductivity and mechanical resistance will be affected [171].

Fig. 10

Source: authors

Methods and mechanisms for the functionalization of graphene nanomaterials.

The covalent functionalization of the carbon skeleton can be carried out through an electrophilic attack of the C=C bond in the aromatic ring of pristine graphene [172]. Zhong et al. prepared solution-phase graphene dispersed in a 2% sodium cholate aqueous solution and stirred dispersion 4-propargyloxydiazobenzenetetrafluoroborate as a functionalizing agent at 45 °C for about 8 h, obtaining 4-propargyloxyphenyl graphene [173]. On the other hand, graphene's organic covalent functionalization reactions also include covalent bonds between free radicals or dienophiles and C=C bonds of pristine graphene [174]. When a diazonium salt is heated, a highly reactive free radical is produced, attacking the sp² carbon atoms of graphene, forming a covalent bond. Tour and co-workers have used this methodology to design graphene with nitrophenyls [136, 175]. Niyogi and co-workers also showed that the covalent attachment of nitrophenyls to graphene sheets forms a controllable bandgap, making the functionalized graphene potentially useful as semiconducting nanomaterials [137].

Tables 2 and 3 illustrate the general mechanism of the main reactions involved in the functionalization of graphene by the covalent method, intermolecular interactions related to the noncovalent process, and changes observed in data analysis. Some research that developed functionalized graphene nanoplatforms using these methods will be further discussed, evidencing this topic's importance and deepening the knowledge about it.

Table 2 Main functions through the covalent pathway of grapheme oxide and its applications

Table 3 Main noncovalent features of the graphene family and its applications

Biomedical applications of graphene and its derivatives

Graphene oxide (GO)

GO has been increasingly used in biomedical research since graphene lacks surface regularity, sharp edges, cavities, and different distances between carbon atoms. These factors can lead to the rupture of the cell membrane’s lipid bilayer in the human body, interrupting the transport of electrons in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Consequently, there is cellular activation of the apoptosis pathway. Additionally, the hydrophobic nature of the nanomaterial results in a lack of solubility in most solvents, significantly limiting its use [68, 176, 177]. Figure 11 shows the possible interaction between graphene family nanomaterials and cell membrane as cytotoxicity effect.

Fig. 11

Source: authors

Possible interactions of graphene family nanomaterials (GNFs) with the plasma membrane and cytotoxic effects. GNFs can interact with the plasma membrane through (1) adhesion to the outer surface of the cell membrane or (2) direct incorporation or translocation by the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane. (3) The agglomeration and/or penetration of GNFs into the plasma membrane can damage it, inducing an inflammatory response due to the leakage of the cytoplasmic content. Additionally, GNFs can be internalized through (4) phagocytosis by specialized cells and/or (5) internalization by endocytosis mainly mediated by clathrin. Most of the graphene-based nanomaterials are internalized and directed in vesicles (phagosomes and endosomes) to the lysosomes where they are (6) degraded or sent to other cell compartments, however, a small part may remain free in the cytosol. In the cytosol, GNFs can (7) interact with components of the cytoskeleton and (8) with cellular organelles, including the mitochondria. (9) The GNF-mitochondria interaction can cause mitochondrial disorders, mainly by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and generating toxic effects such as increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release due to reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and increased lipid peroxides, for example, malondialdehyde (MDA). (10) GNFs can also cross the nuclear membrane and interact directly with DNA, causing genotoxic effects and/or (11) inducing cell death by apoptosis or necrosis in response to the mentioned cytotoxic effects.

The main difference between GO and its derivatives to graphene is that the first group has a fine atomic sheet structure containing optimized oxygenated groups so, GO can be used in adsorption. There is also a high surface area leading to various applications, including drug delivery and bioimaging [68, 168, 178,179,180,181,182,183] and an improvement in its aqueous dispersibility and reduction in the aggregation of nanoparticles, decrease in toxicity, and increase in its selectivity [168, 179, 180, 183]. These properties led to GO being investigated for targeted cell delivery of anticancer drugs [178,179,180,181,182,183,184] and to function as an antibacterial agent [185, 186].

The targeted drug administer Hummers aims to achieve the therapeutic target selectively and at a controlled drug release rate. This system improves therapeutic efficacy and minimizes the associated side effects [182,183,184, 187, 188]. This system has been extensively studied to reduce dose-limiting cytotoxicity and decrease drug resistance [182, 184].

In general, the system consists of a cell recognition portion of interest and a cytotoxic portion connected directly or through a suitable ligand to form a conjugate [178, 184] occurring in two ways: by modifying the surface of the nanoparticle with targeting ligands or in response to the generated microenvironment, such as low pH and overexpression of a given biomarker [178, 182, 189,190,191].

Rao et al. developed a new anticancer drug carrier system with controlled and targeted delivery capabilities [183]. Carboxymethylcellulose and GO were covalently conjugated by generating GO/CMC using ADH as a ligand to produce the drug carrier GO/CMC complex, later characterized by infrared spectroscopy with infrared spectroscopy Fourier transform spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Immediately after this, DOX, an antitumor medication, was loaded onto the surface of the conjugate by π–π stacking interactions and hydrogen bonding. The in vitro release behavior under different pH conditions was monitored by spectroscopy analysis in the visible ultraviolet (UV–vis). This release confirmed that this drug carrier has a pH sensitivity, being able to carry anticancer drugs without reaching the vicinity of the carcinogenic cells, that is, healthy cells (Fig. 12). Therefore, the goal of targeted therapy is achieved. Cancer cells from the human cervix (Hela cells) and those from mouse fibroblasts (NIH-3T3 cells) were treated with the MTT method (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT). The results showed that GO/CMC did not present apparent cytotoxicity but good biocompatibility. In addition, GO/CMC/DOX offers excellent antitumor activity and is safer than the single administration of DOX. It can be concluded that the system improved the bioavailability of drugs and reduced the side effects in clinical application.

Fig. 12

Source: authors

Selective drug delivery scheme in response to changes in the cellular microenvironment.

These results are aligned with those described by Jiao et al., who developed a drug administration system based on GO modified with methotrexate-loaded carboxymethylcellulose, a clinically used anticancer medicine [192]. The results showed good properties for releasing pH-dependent drugs, reduced cytotoxicity against NIH-3T3 normal cells, high cytotoxicity against HT-29 cancer cells, higher plasma drug concentration, longer duration of action, superior tumor inhibitory activities, and inhibiting activities of liver metastasis. Additionally, the survival time of the rats was extended after the administration of MTX/CMC/GO. Therefore, the MTX/CMC-GO drug delivery system has great potential in the treatment of colon cancer.

Javanbakht and Namazi also proved that DOX was efficiently loaded and released from the CMC/GO nanocomposite [193]. DOX-loaded nanocomposites have increased anticancer properties. In the microenvironment of tumor cells at pH 5, the DOX release rate was significantly higher than under physiological conditions at pH 7.4. The MTT results showed that DOX/CMC/GO exhibits significant cytotoxicity in K562 cells, an erythroleukemic cell line. The resulting nanocomposite showed that this carrier system could potentially be used in cancer treatment drug delivery and delivery systems.

Fan et al. developed a new anticancer system with controlled and targeted release skills [187]. Sodium alginate (SA) was covalently conjugated to GO by forming amide bonds, making it functional. The resulting GO/SA conjugate was characterized by FTIR, TGA, TEM and used as a vehicle to encapsulate DOX, an anticancer medicine chosen to study the release behavior and targeting under different pH conditions by UV–vis monitoring. The results showed that the nanocomposite exhibited a pH-sensitive DOX release behavior with a faster rate and a more significant amount being released under acidic conditions. The cell viability test was applied to assess cytotoxicity using Hela and NIH-3T3 cells. The results showed that GO/SA could specifically transport DOX to Hela cells with increased toxicity. At the same time, GO/SA exhibited extremely low cytotoxicity and no toxic effects evident in NIH-3T3 cells. These positive results suggested that GO/SA is an ideal drug carrier for targeted and controlled drug delivery.

Dong et al. developed a medication administration system based on pegylated GO to load DOX [194]. The properties of the carrier, drug release behavior, cell uptake, and cytotoxicity were studied in vitro. They also explored the penetration of the functional transporter into the blood–brain barrier and its accumulation in the tumor region of rats with glioma. In addition, they evaluated the chemotherapeutic effects combined with treatment with GO/PEG/DOX in vivo and in vitro. Chemotherapy combined with GO/PEG/DOX prolonged the survival time of rats with glioma as compared with free DOX. The results of the in vitro and in vivo studies were promising. In conclusion, a potential nanoscale drug delivery system was developed for combined glioma therapy that can effectively decrease side effects and improve therapeutic effects.

These results were recently reaffirmed by Kazempour et al., who developed a new drug administration system [195]. It was made from the functionalization of the GO surface with PEG. The system was characterized with the scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and then DOX as an anticancer drug was immobilized on the GO-PEG surface. The release profile at two different pH levels and the cell viability assay were performed. The GO/PEG hybrid shows more release in acidic pH, and according to the results of the cell viability test, it is more biocompatible than free GO. Hence, the proposed system has high potential as a drug delivery agent.

Chai also developed a new delivery system for the chemotherapy drugs oridonin and methotrexate (MTX) [196]. PEG was attached to the surface of GO sheets to improve its stability and biocompatibility. When starting the in vivo tests by the WST-8 assay, it was found that the GO/PEG conjugate has virtually no toxicity for normal human 293 T cells (human renal epithelial cells) and tumor cells of CAL27, MG63, and HepG2. Additionally, oridonin and MTX were combined with GO/PEG through π–π stacking and hydrophobic interactions. The same tests showed that GO/PEG/oridonin and GO/PEG/MTX were more cytotoxic to tumor cells CAL27 (human tongue squamous cell carcinoma), MG63 (human osteosarcoma), and HepG2 (human liver tumor) than oridonin and methotrexate free, respectively. Therefore, GO/PEG could effectively improve solubility in aqueous media and increase the bioavailability of antitumor drugs to be a favorable and universal nanomaterial.

Recently, other researchers also developed a selective delivery system, and Borandeh et al. grafted β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) into GO using L-phenylalanine (Phe) as a binder to improve stability, load capacity of the medication, and biocompatibility [197]. The GO/Phe/CD conjugate was characterized structurally and morphologically, and DOX was used as a chemotherapeutic model to examine drugs' loading and release properties. At the same time, the pH effect was also investigated. The GO/Phe/CD's efficiency and load capacity of DOX of the GO/Phe/CD was high, and the highest release rates were in an acid medium generated by the cancer cells. In addition, the overall cytotoxicity of the nanocarriers was examined by the MTT assay and exclusion of the trypan blue dye in the MCF-7 cell lines, where both tests demonstrated significant cytocompatibility. Thus, the GO/Phe/CD loaded with DOX had an excellent capacity to kill MCF-7 cells. The authors concluded that a drug delivery system responds to pH, which may be a suitable candidate for the administration of chemotherapy drugs.

Furthermore, Prabakaran et al. developed a new medication administration system to reduce cytotoxicity in normal cells and increase the anticancer therapeutic effect through more excellent transporter permeability [198]. Here, poly(methyl methacrylate) (ovalbumin) and egg white protein, ovalbumin (OVA) was used to functionalize GO and DOX loaded into the drug delivery system. The formation of the OVA/PMMA and OVA/PMMA/GO hybrids were confirmed by their structure as visualized by different instrumental techniques. The cytotoxicity and in vitro release tests of the OX-PMMA and OVA-PMMA/GO conjugates loaded with DOX were investigated through the gastric cancer cell line and the standard cell line. In vitro studies showed that OVA/PMMA/GO has a pH-dependent release, and the most significant release occurs at acidic pH. The in vitro drug release has also been proven by research using CACO-2 cancer cells, treated with OVA/PMMA/GO loaded with DOX, as OVA/PMMA/GO has the potential for more significant encapsulation/entrapment of the DOX drug, more great permeability, and more outstanding biocompatibility. All these characterizations in this study show that the drug is successfully loaded onto this new drug carrier, and controlled release has been achieved.

Pourjavadi et al. also developed a new nanocarrier for drug delivery where a live polymerization method was used to engraft poly (glyceryl methacrylate) (PGMA) chains on the surface of GO [199]. The DOX was loaded covalently in the nanocarriers through stacking π–π. Then, the in vitro studies with two different pH (7.4 and 5.4) showed that the DOX-conjugated nanocarrier exhibits a pH-dependent release behavior. Cytotoxicity and MTT studies have demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. Cell capture studies have shown that the DOX-conjugated nanocarrier can be very efficient for delivering and releasing DOX in HeLa cells. The results showed that this nanocarrier has good potential application as an anticancer drug delivery system.

Deb et al. developed a nanocomposite from the functionalization of GO with PEG decorated with folic acid (FA) for the co-delivery of two anticancer drugs, camptothecin (CPT) and 3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM) [200]. The difference in the mechanism of action of the two drugs makes them promising candidates to produce a synergistic effect against breast cancer. The data showed a significant increase in anticancer activity and a delayed and controlled release of drugs. In vivo studies have also shown that DIM has successfully masked the toxic effects produced by CPT. In general, the combinatorial effect produced by the nanocomposite loaded with CPT-DIM could serve as a promising chemotherapeutic agent against breast cancer with greater bioavailability and fewer side effects.

Pourjavadi et al. also developed a new transporter based on modified polyglycerol-branched GO for the co-administration of anticancer drugs, curcumin (CUR) and DOX loaded through the π–π stack and covalent bond, respectively [201]. Based on the results of the cell viability assay, the carrier showed low toxicity to normal cells. For cancer cells, MCF-7, the cytotoxicity was more significant than that of the carrier loaded with only one of the drugs. It was also observed that the release of both drugs was sensitive to pH, with effective release to acidic pH. There was greater internalization of the drug co-administered compared with the only vehicle loaded with the drug.

More recently, Pei et al. also developed a dual drug delivery system using GO functionalized with PEG (pGO) and cisplatin (Pt), and DOX antitumor drugs were incorporated through amino linkage and noncovalent reaction through π–π interactions, respectively [202]. The advantage of this dual drug delivery system was shown by detecting its effectiveness, drug release, and cytotoxicity against cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies showed that pGOq/Pt/DOX was effectively delivered to tumor cells, indicating more prominent apoptosis and cell necrosis, and then exhibited a higher growth-inhibiting property than the single drug or free drug delivery system. In vivo data confirmed that the pGO-Pt/DOX dual drug delivery system had attenuated toxicity to normal organs and a more effective anticancer effect than free drugs. Additionally, the results of drug release indicated the release of drugs in an acidic environment. As a result, the authors argue that this system has great potential for clinical applications.

In determining the selectivity to acid environments of GO nanocarriers, Gao et al. conducted a study to evaluate the impact of GO on the activity against three Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria of three conventional antibiotics: lincomycin hydrochloride (LMH), chloramphenicol (CPC), and gentamicin sulfate (GMS) [203]. These antibiotics were chosen because they are common and used uncontrollably. In addition, these antibiotics demonstrate an affinity for adsorption with GO, and the sensitivity of Gram-negative and Gram-negative bacteria is different. GO was functionalized with PEG and antibiotics adsorbed to it. The effect on the antibacterial activity of the free and combined antibiotic was studied. The results showed a remarkable impact on the efficiency of the antibacterial activity concerning the free antibiotic. However, they emphasized the challenge of building antimicrobial agents based on the drug delivery system using graphene and the need for more study to fully understand the mechanisms of toxicity and cellular responses to the combination of GO and antibiotics.

These findings were reaffirmed by Prabakaran et al., who developed a drug delivery system using GO functionalized with PEG and iron oxide to assess the antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive strain (S. aureus) and Gram-negative strain (E. coli) [198]. The results showed an inhibitory effect against bacterial strains in a concentration-dependent manner: the higher is the concentration, the greater is the antibacterial activity. They also demonstrated a more significant antibacterial activity than antibiotics adsorbed to GO.

Considering these advances, Katuwavila et al. developed a sustained-release transport system for the cephalexin drug (CEF) using GO functionalized with PEG [204]. The results demonstrated that the sustained release of the CEF was achieved. Additionally, the GO/PEG/CEF compound showed improved antibacterial activity as compared with the positive control in gram-positive bacteria. Developing a new controlled release system for CEF would result in a higher concentration of the antimicrobial agent at the infection site, better patient compliance with treatment, and more constant blood levels. In addition, the need for high doses of antibiotics to achieve the therapeutic effect can be avoided through controlled release.

Saifullah et al. developed an anti-tuberculosis formulation using pegylated GO and ethambutol as a drug carried through adsorption. It was found that the sustained release of the drug resulted in better bioavailability [205]. In addition, the designed formulation demonstrated high biocompatibility with mouse fibroblast cells. The results also showed that ethambutol's antimycobacterial activity was not affected by the drug's loading and release process. In this way, therapy with reduced dosage frequency would be feasible, reducing the associated side effects and increasing the patient's adherence to treatment. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated the potential of this new formulation strategy to produce a more effective antibiotic therapy against tuberculosis.

Karimzadeh et al. developed a drug delivery system from graphene modified with carboxymethylcellulose and a metal–organic structure based on zinc (CMC/MOF5/GO) loaded with tetracycline, an antibiotic used to treat a series of infections [206]. Antibacterial activity tests showed that TC/CMC/MOF-5/GO has a more significant and selective antibacterial activity than free tetracycline confirming its potential for targeted delivery and controlled release of oral delivery.

Yang et al. also showed that angiogenesis is essential in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. At that moment, there is overexpression of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) [207]. They developed a nanocarrier for selective drug administration. At the same time, GO was conjugated to a monoclonal antibody (mAb) selective to the FSHR overexpression and Copper-64 incorporated as a radiomarked, thus allowing these visualization nanodevices using positron emission tomography (PET) images. The lung metastasis model for breast cancer was established by intravenous injection of breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231, and tumor growth was monitored. Systematic in vitro and in vivo studies were carried out to investigate the stability, aiming at the nanocarrier's effectiveness, specificity, and tissue distribution. Examination by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy confirmed the specificity of targeting. A more potent and persistent uptake in nodules within the lung was observed compared with nanocarriers not directed towards the FSHR overexpression. The histological evaluation also confirmed the nanocarrier accumulation in the tumor vasculature in early moments; that is, they were captured not specifically in the liver and spleen.

Further, these nanocarriers can serve as suitable drug carriers, for example, for DOX. Improved efficiency of DOX administration in metastatic sites has been demonstrated by fluorescence imaging. GO has proven to be a valuable tool for early detection of metastases and targeted delivery of therapy.

These results are in line with the findings of Pan et al., who carried out a study in which a drug administration system was built by the functionalization of GO with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMQ), fluorescein isothiocyanate, and lactobionic acid (LA), with DOX being carried in the composites by adsorption [184]. The resulting formulations have a high charge content and efficiency (> 96%), pH-sensitive release, and selectively induced the death of cancerous liver cells but were not toxic to a non-cancerous cell line. Based on the in vivo tests, it is concluded that the induction of death in a particular way occurred due to the selective recognition of LA by the asialoglycoprotein receptors. These receptors are overexpressed in the cancerous liver cells, where the free GO compounds were not cytotoxic, but the systems loaded with DOX are effective in inducing cell death, being almost as potent as the free drug. These results are promising, with great potential for targeted anticancer therapy in vivo.

More recently, Bullo et al. developed a new GO nanocarrier functionalized with poly (ethylene glycol) (GO/PEG), loaded with two anticancer drugs: Protocatechuic acid (PCA) and chlorogenic acid (CA) [208]. The anticancer nanocomposite was also coated with folic acid, a specific targeting agent for cancer since cancer cells are overexpressed with folate receptors compared with normal cells (Fig. 13). Anticancer properties have been evaluated against liver cancer cells (HEPG2) and human colon cells (HT-29). Cytocompatibility was assessed in normal 3T3 fibroblast cells. The in vitro release of the PCA and CA drugs occurred sustainably, which took more than 100 h for release. Additionally, the designed formulation was biocompatible with normal 3T3 cells and showed a better anticancer effect than free drugs.

Fig. 13

Source: authors

Endocytosis scheme of PCA and CA-containing graphene oxide nanoparticles functionalized with PEG and coated with folic acid.

These results align with Deb, who focused on achieving targeted delivery of drugs using CPT [200]. GO nanoparticles functionalized with PEG were also decorated with FA and used to increase the efficiency and specificity of drug uptake by cancer cells. Then, the CPT was added to pegylated GO. As seen by UV analysis, the GO/PEG/FA/CPT drug delivery system showed a pH-dependent drug release. In addition, the non-toxic nature was confirmed by the cell viability assay.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs)

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have also become materials of interest for drug delivery, as the unique electronic structure of GQDs gives functional attributes to these nanomaterials promoting high load capacity [209,210,211,212].

As demonstrated by De et al., the graphene oxide quantum dot (GOQD) conjugated to chitosan functionalized with folic acid (FA/CH) efficiently carries and delivers the anticancer drug DOX to the cancerous tissue [213]. As a result, the in vitro release pattern was examined in several pH ranges, where the drug release rate at pH 5.5 was higher than in the physiological range of pH 6.5 and 7.4. Additionally, cell uptake studies have shown that FA/CH/GOQD specifically transported DOX to cancer cells by overexpressing folate receptors. Following this direction, Ko et al. [214] also developed nanoparticles based on GQDs conjugated to poly(ethylene glycol)-disulfide-Herceptin that increased the half-life and conferred the ability to target with DOX. The in vitro analysis confirmed the successful internalization in the cell cytoplasm and the increase in the uptake and therapeutic action of DOX in HER2-positive breast cancer cells.

According to Flak et al., the therapeutic activity of DOX became more efficient through delivery directed by GQDs, where they did not present toxicity against non-target cells and pH-dependent drug release [215]. In another study conducted by Yang et al., a new nanocarrier for pancreatic cancer has been composed of biodegradable polyester-based vectors (BCPVs) and GQDs, demonstrated high stability in physiological media and release in acid medium, and high capacity of a load of the anticancer drug DOX resulting in effective inhibition of the pancreatic cancer cell bioactivity (MiaPaCa-2 cells) [216]. Additionally, Rakhshaei et al. synthesized a nanocarrier with high biocompatibility and high potential to be used as a specific drug delivery system driven by acid pH. Still, they functionalized the GQDs with carboxymethylcellulose and used DOX as an anticancer medicine [217]. The cytotoxicity of the nano-transporter was studied using HT29 cells from human colon adenocarcinoma.

Furthermore, Sui et al. demonstrated the application of GQDs by combining it with cisplatin (CDDP), a drug with antitumor activity attributed to DNA binding [218]. It was shown a significant increase in cell uptake, improving cell permeability and reinforcing its interaction with DNA once inside cells, thus increasing cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, and DNA fragmentation, which can increase the effectiveness of drug chemotherapy anticancer.

This idea was reinforced by Wei et al., as they developed a nanocomposite of GQDs functionalized with poly (ethylene glycol) to load cisplatin (GPt) [212]. This result caused the cell cycle to stop leading to apoptosis and increased accumulation of intracellular cisplatin. Therefore, GPt proved to be a promising candidate for anticancer therapy, as it improves the drug's pharmacokinetics, promoting more significant accumulation in the tumor and minimizing systemic toxicity.

Finally, Sheng et al. developed GQDs functionalized with chitosan gels (CS) for loading hydrophilic cytarabine (Cyt), an anticancer drug [219]. The release of Cyt from the designed carrier was sensitive to acidic pH. The incorporation of Cyt in GQDs was achieved by an amidation reaction hydrolyzed in an acid medium.

Ko et al., in their study, developed a drug delivery system for breast cancer with overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor (HER2) type 2 receptor [220]. A new graphene-based nanocarrier (GQD) marked with Herceptin (HER), a drug selective for the biomarker, and β-CD for particular DOX delivery has been developed as a promising theranostic candidate for the treatment of breast cancer with HER2 overexpression. In response to the acidic environment of cancer cells, the GQD complex was rapidly degraded, and DOX was released in a controlled manner to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Nanocarriers also provide diagnostic effects due to the blue color emission from GQDs. This multifunctional drug delivery system leads to a synergistically enhanced anticancer strategy that supplies treatment and diagnosis. The theranostic application of GQDs has also been reported by Song et al. [221]. Before that, it is essential to know the toxicity of graphene-based nanostructures. Thus, Table 4 summarizes the main information from toxicological studies of the graphene family nanomaterials.

Table 4 Information about the toxicity of graphene and its derivatives

Application in photothermal application

Despite the numerous nanomaterials studied and applied in photothermal therapy (PTT), graphene is the newest one [222]. PTT involves an increase in local temperature after exposure of a photothermal agent to electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light or NIR (Near Infra-Red), inducing tumor cell death by converting light energy into heat [223]. Graphene and its derivatives are excellent photothermal agents used for PTT due to their multifunctionality and high photothermal conversion capacity. Robison et al., a pioneer in using rGO for PTT, demonstrated that nanometric rGO produced by chemical reduction of GO has a NIR absorption rate six times higher than GO, endorsing its preferential use over GO as a photothermal agent [224]. Furthermore, combining graphene-based materials with inorganic particles such as gold nanoparticles can further increase the photothermal effect and lead to a higher rate of tumor cell death during PTT [225]. The rGO photothermal applications have been explored with other nanoparticles and photosensitizers in synergy for tumor therapies. Otari et al. performed the one-step reduction of GO to rGO. They decorated the rGO with gold nanoparticles (NAuNPs) using thermostable nisin antimicrobial peptides to form a nanocomposite of reduced graphene oxide (NAu-rGO). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) analysis revealed the formation of spherical AuNPs 5–30 nm in size in rGO nanosheets. After treating MCF-7 breast cancer cells with the nanocomposite followed by treatment with 800 nm diode laser (0.5 W/cm2) for 5 min, 80% cell growth inhibition was found [225].

More recently, Chen et al. developed a PTT to treat cancer using Alanine-functionalized GO (ARGO) through π–π interactions. The conjugation between alanine and GO increased by twofold the stability of ARGO compared to rGO in aqueous solution and greatly improved the absorption of NIR radiation, resulting in increased photothermal conversion efficiency when irradiated with an 808 nm laser. Using 808 nm laser irradiation, PTT produced an 89% and 33% greater photothermal effect than GO and rGO isolated, respectively, and acted as a targeting ligand to selectively kill U87MG tumor cells. Thus, this ARGO platform composed of active functional groups allows precise targeting in PTT without damaging healthy tissues and cells [226].

Another form of therapy involving light and a photosensitizer is photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT consists of photochemical reactions associated with a photosensitizing substance and a light source, which in conjunction with oxygen can produce molecular oxygen or reactive oxygen species inducing tumor cell death [222]. Studies showed that the combination of PTT and PDT is promising to cause tumor cell death more efficiently compared to PTT or PDT alone [227,228,229]. Phototherapeutic effects of PTT and PDT combined using graphene and its derivatives as cancer treatments have shown surprising results. Zhang et al. developed an rGO-Ru-PE nanohybrid through hydrophobic π-π interaction of rGO sheets and a Ru (II) complex modified with phosphorescent polyethylene glycol (Ru-PEG). They applied it as a photothermal agent and a photosensitizer for PTT/PDT. And A549 lung cancer cells, sequentially exposed to 808 nm (for PTT) and 450 nm (for PDT) wave light source. The results showed increased cytotoxicity because of the combined effect of the two therapies [227].

Interestingly, Jiang et al. created a nanoplatform using dopamine-reduced GO nanosheets (rGO-PDA) loaded with chlorin e6 (Ce6) to increase photothermal capacity. The proposed nanoplatform was successfully used to precisely deliver the photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) into the tumor cells, especially those that overexpressed CD-44. Combining excellent NIR photothermal conversion capability and controllable Ce6 release gives the nanoplatform enhanced singlet oxygen generation, giving higher cytotoxicity [228]. Similarly, Shim et al. designed a claudin 4 driven dual photodynamic and photothermal system in which Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) was linked to the photodynamic agent Ce6 and anchored in rGO. This nanosystem was intracellularly delivered in U87 glioblastoma cells. The combined therapy was performed using 660 nm light source for the PDT and 808 nm for PPT [229].

Recently, photoimmunotherapy has been used for the treatment of metastatic tumors [230,231,232]. Wang et al. developed a PEGylated nanocomposite through the hybridization of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (FNPs) with rGO through electrostatic interaction for photothermal immunotherapy. The results in vivo revealed that FNPs/rGO-PEG nanocomposites when combined and irradiated by an 805 nm laser, could destroy primary tumors. Furthermore, intratumoral injection of FNPs/rGO-PEG nanocomposites in animals inducted with breast tumors and irradiated with near-infrared laser irradiation showed a reduction in tumor volume [230]. Corroborating these findings, a new treatment strategy for metastatic cancer through the synergy of photothermal therapy (PTT), chemotherapy, and immunotherapy using a nanosystem to trigger the host's antitumor immunity was also developed by Zhou et al. The nanosystem was constructed by loading the chemotherapeutic agent mitoxantrone (MTX) and the TGF-β inhibitor SB-431542 (SB) in rGO. Intratumoral administration of rGO / MTX / SB, followed by non-invasive irradiation of a near-infrared laser, destroyed local primary tumors and inhibited distant metastases, as demonstrated in the murine model. After treatment, 70% of tumor-bearing mice became long-term survivors and developed specific immunity with increased infiltration of tumor-specific CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes and decreased infiltration of regulatory T cells (Tregs) into distal tumors. Thus, the administration of rGO/MTX/SB via local injection combined with laser irradiation provided a synergistic chemo-immunophotothermal effect against tumors with inhibition of the immunosuppressive microenvironment [231].

Finally, multiple combination immunotherapy, which included photothermal therapy (PTT), inhibition of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and blockade of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), was developed to induce synergistic antitumor immunity. Yan et al. designed rGO nanosheets loaded with a multifunctional IDO inhibitor (IDOi) with the properties of directly killing tumor cells under laser irradiation and triggering the antitumor immune response in situ. The group demonstrated that the three combinations of PTT, IDO inhibition, and PD-L1 blockade could effectively inhibit the growth of irradiated tumors and tumors at distant sites without PTT treatment [232].

Imaging-related applications

As previously mentioned in this review, graphene and its derivatives have intrinsic fluorescence properties, making them bioimaging agents of cancer cells; these properties are called GQDs, making these fluorescent materials of great interest today [220, 233,234,235,236,237,238,239]. Just as the functionalization of graphene proved to be an essential step, the functionalization of the GQDs guarantees the viability of its use in biological applications linked to its intrinsic fluorescence property [209,210,211, 240, 241].

Obtaining GQDs through top-down and bottom-up approaches leads to a significant difference in the intrinsic properties of the resulting product, such as size, layer, shape, or edge configuration, which eventually results in photoluminescence (PL) diversity the final GQDs [242]. The absorption spectrum of GQDs in the UV region is in the range varying from 4.6 to 6.2 eV, with a sharp peak at 260 nm and a tail in the visible region up to 2.1 eV, these are attributed to pi-pi excitations (π → π *) from the C = C bonds and the excitation n → π * from the C = O bonds, respectively [243, 244].

The main difference between conventional QDs and GQDs is the PL bandwidth. Unlike traditional quantum dots (QDs), which do not exhibit luminescence behavior for non-zero band gaps, GQDs have a non-zero gap and excellent luminescence behavior under excitation [245]. The PL band spectra of GQDs are vast and change with the excitation wavelength ranging from 300 to 470 nm. The spectrum of the PL band can be assigned due to the transition from the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) to the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) [244]. In this sense, GQDs with larger diameters have smaller band gaps and vice versa. According to Sk et al., GQDs with diameters ranging from 0.46 to 2.31 nm emit deep UV fluorescence to the near-infrared (NIR) regions. In comparison, GQDs with diameters ranging from 0.89 to 1.80 nm emit fluorescence covering the entire visible light spectrum range (400–770 nm) [246]. The NIR fluorescence of GQDs showed excellent performance due to their remarkable attributes such as deep penetration depth, unblinking fluorescence emission, easy spatiotemporal control, good water solubility, and biocompatibility [247, 248].

Near-Infrared (NIR) GQDs fluorescence

In recent years, fluorescence imaging of biological systems in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II) has drawn much attention due to their negligible autofluorescence background noise and low tissue scattering [245]. Wang et al. developed dual-doped nitrogen and boron GQDs (N-B-GQDs) that served as NIR-II contrast agents and investigated in vivo imaging capability. The N-B-GQDs had an ultrasmall size (∼5 nm), high stability in serum, fluorescent emission peak at 1000 nm, and high photostability. Furthermore, in addition to the NIR-II imaging capability, NB-GQDs absorb and convert NIR light to heat when irradiated by an external NIR source, demonstrating a photothermal therapeutic effect that kills tumor cells in vitro and completely suppresses tumor growth in a glioma xenografted mouse [249]

One of the main issues related to cancer is early detection. The detection of cancer in the early stages increases the probability of the patient's recovery, so the necessity of a more sensitive fluorescent probe is required [238, 250, 251]. In this direction, the use of GQDs as fluorescent probes has been reported by Badrigilan et al., which have exemplified the application of GQDs in the generation of high-performance images by computed tomography [252]. They synthesized bismuth nanoparticles coated with GQDs, and these exhibited good physiological dispersion with blood compatibility and satisfactory cytotoxicity, in addition to offering a solid and constant absorbance profile in near-infrared spectroscopy with excellent photostability.

Modified GQDs for fluorescence and magnetic resonance images

Regarding biomedical application, Wang et al. demonstrated that pegylated GQDs are suitable for biomedical imaging [253]. As a result, the quantum dots of graphene were functionalized with PEG by the hydrothermal method. Subsequently, the cell viability test results showed that the GQDs-PEG does not exhibit apparent toxicity to the cells. The results of the fluorescence images showed high recognition of GQDs-PEG. Nonetheless, Feng et al. synthesized nitrogen-doped GQDs reacted with indomethacin [254]. This fluorescent probe was then incubated with breast cancer cells (MCF-7) for imaging through a Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope. This compound acted as a fluorescent probe material that rapidly recognized MCF-7 cells within a few hours. It was also noted that the fluorescence intensity increased as the incubation time was extended. Therefore, this compound can be suggested as a promising fluorescent probe for recognizing and labeling cancer cells by laser scanning confocal microscopy. Another study conducted by Campbel et al. demonstrated the excellent applicability of GQDs doped with nitrogen [255]. Nitrogen-doped GQDs exhibited a pH-dependent fluorescence response that is successfully used as a detection mechanism for acidic extracellular environments of cancer cells, allowing differentiation between cancerous environments (HeLa and MCF-7 cells) versus healthy environments (HEK-293 cells). They also had high biocompatibility, effective cell internalization, and emission in near-infrared spectroscopy.

Finally, in a study, Feng et al. demonstrated that the quantum dots of nitrogen-doped graphene reacted with FA to form FA/N/GQDs used for biological imaging, establishing a basis for the preparation of diagnostic materials for cancer [238]. FA can bind to folate receptors overexpressed in MCF-7 cells, and nitrogen-doped GQDs emitted blue fluorescence so that the recognition of cancerous cells was carried out. The authors also observed that the increase in the nitrogen content in GQDs provided more binding sites for folic acid, increasing the amount of FA/N/GQDs that enters the cell, improving the recognition of cancer cells, and more accurate diagnosis of cancer by fluorescence. Finally, laser scanning confocal microscopy images showed that FA-N-GQDs had strong fluorescence stability for cancer cells over a period, which was more conducive to recognizing cancer cells.

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)

These results are in line with those of Su et al., where the graphene quantum dots terminated in carboxyl (C-GQDs) were conjugated with iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) and silicon dioxide and then functionalized with FA [256]. After that, the DOX molecules were loaded onto the GQDs surface through π–π stacking, which resulted in Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/GQDs/FA/DOX conjugates. The nanosystem underwent a viability study, magnetic resonance characterization, and in vitro fluorescence of Hela cells tests. The intracellular drug release process was monitored through fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The nanosystem proved to be efficient in the generation of imaging by fluorescence and magnetic resonance, aiming at precise diagnosis and detecting drug release based on FRET. It also demonstrated low cytotoxicity and, thus, an exemplary system for diagnosis.

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)

In terms of imaging, a study from Wang et al. endorsed the idea once they synthesized GQDs co-functionalized with PEG and FA to improve the capacity for biocompatibility and to target tumors, respectively [257]. Subsequently, the nanocomposites were radiolabeled with I-131 to assess biological behavior. The in vitro results demonstrated low cytotoxicity, high biocompatibility, and good stability. At the same time, the in vivo studies showed that images could examine the tumor through computed tomography by single-photon emission (SPECT). They also demonstrate a more significant effect of permeability, retention, and active targeting to folate receptors. The uptake of 131I-GQDs-PEG-FA at tumor sites can be clearly examined using SPECT images, which can attribute a more excellent permeability and retention effect and active targeting effect of AF to folate receptors. Also, Nasrollahi et al. developed an image nanostructure based on ferritin protein (AfFtn-AA) nanocages that encapsulate the GQDs and iron (Fe) for fluorescence and magnetic resonance images [258]. It was then demonstrated that the non-target cells were underperforming. At the same time, the contrast in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) increased significantly, and the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were imaged selectively since the fluorescence occurs after the release of Nanocages' GQDs in response to the acid environment. The researchers also carried out tests that emphasized the high carrying capacity of the nanosystem, demonstrating its promising application as a bimodal agent in the diagnosis and therapy of cancer. In another study reported by Zhang et al. developed a nanocomposite with diagnostic functionality using the  apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) enzyme as a biomarker, as it is overexpressed in most human cancers [259]. This nanocomposite originated from the unification through adsorption of GQDs and unimolecular DNA architectures acting as a ligand to APE1. After using these nanocomposites as diagnostic probes, accumulation in the target cells was proven through the fluorescence observed selectively in response to APE1 overexpression, without cytotoxicity to neighboring cells. It was also highlighted that these nanocomposites could detect the cancer biomarker APE1 in identical types of cells under different cell conditions and can be applied to various cancer cells in extremely sensitive and specific ways.

Theranostic applications

Currently, there are a growing interest in developing nanomaterials for the simultaneous treatment and screening of cancer cells, that is, theranostic nanomaterials [216, 234, 239, 260,261,262]. Theranostic medicine combines diagnosis and treatment in the same procedure; it is a nanotechnological strategy that involves treatment with drugs carried by nanoparticles to target cells and monitoring of the response of therapy simultaneously [216, 239, 261, 263].

Graphene-based nanomaterials can act as agents for developing theranostic platforms to perform the most efficient detection and treatment of cancers [235, 239, 260,261,262]. In this direction, Chang et al. developed an attractive theranostic agent for efficient cancer diagnosis and treatment [264]. As a result, they cultivated manganese tungsten oxide nanoparticles (MnWO₄NPs) in situ on GO surfaces in a polyether hyperthermia medium containing PEG to produce the hydrophilic nanocomposite GO/MnWO₄/PEG. By comparison, it was observed that the absorbance in the near-infrared (NIR) of the GO/MnWO₄/PEG nanocomposite produced is significantly improved. The in vivo magnetic resonance and the generated photoacoustic image indicated that the nanocomposite could serve as an efficient bimodal contrast agent to guide cancer treatment. The therapeutic agent DOX was then loaded into GO/MnWO₄/PEG through π–π interactions and electrostatic forces. GO/MnWO₄/PEG demonstrated a high load capacity of DOX and drug release triggered by acidic pH, without the appearance of toxic effects and apparent side effects. Chemotherapy combined with GO/MnWO₄/PEG/DOX therapy injected intravenously can eliminate 4T1 tumors, indicative of an excellent antitumor effect in vivo.

The results were reaffirmed by Qian et al., who synthesized graphene-manganese oxide nanocomposites (RGO/MnFe₂O₄) reduced through a hydrothermal reaction and functionalized with PEG [265]. The results showed that the nanocomposites resulted in an excellent magnetic resonance. After additional marking by Iodine-125 radioisotopes, the single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) image exhibited a high accumulation of the nanocomposite in the tumor. It was also observed that radioisotope therapy and combined chemotherapy, performed using the nanocomposite-loaded DOX drug, significantly inhibited the growth of the 4T1 tumor after intravenous injection.

Recently, Gonzalez-Rodriguez et al. improved the functionality of GO with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (NPsFe₃O₄), which served as biocompatible magnetic additives for drug administration and magnetic resonance contrast agents [266]. The synthesized GO/Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles showed low cytotoxicity to healthy cells (HEK-293). Then, DOX was loaded through π–π stacking interactions and hydrogen bonding, and its imaging capability, cancer detection, and in vitro anticancer drug delivery in HeLa, MCF-7, and HEK-293 cells were tested. The nanoparticles showed intracellular delivery of DOX 2.5 times better when compared with free drugs in low concentrations (Fig. 14). This, in turn, allows the use of an eightfold lower dose of DOX to achieve the same therapeutic effect of approximately 62% cancer cell death. The dependence on pH allowed the differentiation between extracellular cancerous environments (MCF-7 and HeLa) and healthy ones (HEK-293). Finally, it was proposed that the GO/Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles can act in delivering highly effective drugs, dose tracking and diagnosis through magnetic resonance imaging. In this direction, Zhang et al. (2016b) obtained a nanocomposite thermoset from the preparation of nanograft-oxide oxide (NGO/PEG), which co-administered paclitaxel (PTX) and green indocyanine (ICG), a fluorescent dye approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [267]. The fluorescence signal granted by the ICG was detected in the cytoplasm by confocal microscopy, demonstrating the high-efficiency human osteosarcoma (MG63) cellular uptake of the NGO/PEG/ICG/PTX. In turn, the in vivo results indicated a high accumulation of NGO/PEG/ICG/PTX in the MG63 tumor. The results also demonstrated that the tumor-bearing mice had complete tumor suppression without injury to healthy vital organs.

Fig. 14

Adapted from Wei et al. 2018 [212]

Cell viability of HeLa cells subject to: GO-Fe₃O₄ (black squares), DOX-go-Fe₃O₄ (blue squares), and dox (red squares).

According to Usman et al., a theranostic system promising future chemotherapy for antineoplastic treatment with diagnostic modalities based on co-administration is proposed [268]. They synthesized a theranostic system based on GO composed of a natural chemotherapeutic agent, CA, whereas gadolinium (Gd) and gold (AuNPs) nanoparticles were used as contrast agents for the MRI. Subsequently, in vitro tests demonstrated that 90% of the chlorogenic acid was released at pH 4.8, and HepG2 cancer cells had their growth inhibited with no significant effect on normal 3T3 cells. The MRI performed indicated an increase in contrast as compared with the simple Gd references. Additionally, Bansal et al. developed a theranostic tool for using GQDs with biosurfactants for cancer therapy. It has less toxicity, minimal side effects, and more biodegradability than other standards chemotherapy drugs used in cancer therapy [269]. This nanomaterial was conjugated with biosurfactant, and FA and the diagnostic and therapeutic effects against cancer cells with overexpression of folate receptors were studied. The cell viability test showed that GQDs were not toxic to cells. It was also observed that the conjugation of FA further increased the specificity of GQDs / bioconjugates concerning tumor cells. This result was strengthened by the laser scanning confocal microscopy results and the drug uptake test. It observed a more significant amount of drug uptake when GQDs / bioconjugates were decorated with folic acid.

On the other hand, Nasrollahi et al. developed nanoparticles of GQD conjugated with the scFvB10 antibody. Subsequently, cisplatin (CDDP) was loaded into GQDs/scFvB10 employing electrostatic interaction and complexation with carboxylic groups of GQDs [270]. The efficient mechanism for capturing and targeting GQDs/scFvB10 through epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated endocytosis was verified using the strong fluorescence of GQDs as bioimaging agents. It was found that GQDs/scFvB10 has a pH-dependent release, higher for acid, and can be effectively absorbed by MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells that overexpress EGFR. In addition, its high stability in physiological environments for several months, together with its negligible cytotoxicity, makes the nanostructure efficient for cellular images and as a carrier of CDDP.

Toxicology

GO has dose-dependent effects [271], shows mitochondrial damage, generates reactive oxygen species, and has pronounced antimicrobial properties [272,273,274,275]. GO and rGO affect cell proliferation, particularly osteogenic and cartilage types [276,277,278,279]. The effects on apoptosis of graphene oxide are controversial and dependent on cell type [271, 280]. Otherwise, graphene oxide nanoplatelets (GONP), graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONR), and graphene nano onions (GNO) are considered to be more toxic than GO and rGO. In addition, it has been shown that toxicity depends on the size and functional groups GONR was found to be more toxic than GONP [281] and more toxic than GOS [282]. These forms of graphene exhibit direct time- and dose-dependent effects [282,283,284], causing DNA damage [282]. GONP, GONR, and GNO do not affect the mechanism of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation [283]. More significant cytotoxicity was observed due to increased adsorption of micronutrients on the hydrophobic surface of HHG sheets, limiting their availability [285]. Graphene quantum dots have almost no toxic properties up to a concentration of 200–320 µg/ml [286, 287]. The GO affects cell proliferation, particularly osteogenic types [277], but has not shown toxic properties [288]. According to Salesa et al. [289] is essential to notice that toxicological differences between single-layer GO and multilayer GO may be observed and represent an important aspect.

One of the favorite models for toxicologists is the zebrafish. Many studies on the toxicity of graphene and its derivatives have been performed on this object [290,291,292,293,294,295]. In particular, it was found that graphene affects embryotoxicity, biochemistry, and behavior. The study with environmental concentrations (from 0.1 to 100 mg/L) on multi-organ systems in developing zebrafish larvae was experimentally assessed. The pG and GO were found to accumulate in the brain tissue that also caused significant changes in the heartbeat and survival rate. The sizes of hepatocytes were reduced. In another study [291], authors used dosage from 10 to 100 mg/L GO-COOH specifically induced neurodevelopmental abnormalities and the altered tendency of locomotor in larval fish.

Furthermore, GO-COOH exposure led to increased AchE and ATPase activities and oxidative stress upregulation. Interestingly, it disrupted the expression of genes involved in neurodevelopment and neurotransmitter pathway, showing that Parkinson's disease-related genes’ expression was disordered after GO-COOH treatment. These results suggest that GO-COOH can induce neurotoxicity and Parkinson's disease-like symptoms in zebrafish larvae.

Another case with s-GO has been shown to selectively inhibit glutamatergic transmission in neuronal cultures in vitro and brain explants obtained from animals injected with the nanomaterial. This raises the exciting prospect that s-GO can be developed as a platform for novel nervous system therapeutics [296]. Fascinating results were obtained by researchers [290] who studied the behavior of fish in the model of predator avoidance. An alteration in predator avoidance behavior was observed in all treated groups, while GR-treated fish exhibited abnormal exploratory behavior. The authors discovered that a high concentration of GR exposure significantly decreased several neurotransmitters and cortisol levels from the ELISA results.

There are relatively fewer works on the effect of graphene on insects. In many cases was shown that higher concentrations (> 25 mg/L), graphene, and derivates led to oxidative stress, ROS accumulation, and DNA damage and significantly reduced their survival rate [297,298,299,300]. Nowadays, graphene and its derivatives are seen as promising insecticides [301, 302].

Conclusion

Over the past few years, the potential applicability of nanomaterials of the graphene family has been gaining momentum due to their excellent optical, electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties.

In this direction, this review has shown the applicability of the graphene family in several biomedical modalities, with particular attention for cancer therapy and diagnosis, as a potent theranostic. This ability is derivative from the considerable number of forms that the graphene family can assume. It is essential to notice that the quality of the material produced governs biological behavior. Thus, the quality of production of these materials, especially for clinical application, must be appropriately addressed. Despite the growing increase in the bioavailability and toxicity studies of graphene and its derivatives, there is still much to be unveiled that would allow safe and effective formulations.