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The Applicability of Graphene-Based Materials in the Pharmaceutical, Biological and Biomedical Sectors

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Nanoscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2024 | Viewed by 4040

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, Donat Street, No. 67-103, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: nanomaterials; nanotechnology; carbon-based materials preparation and characterization; graphene; green chemistry; electrochemistry; detection protocols; sensors; graphene-based modified electrodes; electrochemical mechanisms; portable sensing solutions; food science; polyphenols; nanomedicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, Donat Street, No. 67-103, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: analytical chemistry; electrochemical methods of analysis; physical chemistry; electrochemical sensors kinetic and analytical methods for the determination of organic compounds

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Carbon, one of the most abundant elements in nature, existing in a variety of configurations spanning from zero to three dimensions, is the foundation of organic chemistry and life. Of its various forms, graphene is thought to be the mother of all carbon materials due to its unique and remarkable physicochemical properties. Over the last decade, graphene and its derivatives have enabled researchers to embark upon a new era of exploration in disease diagnosis and treatment, biotechnology, biomedicine, bioengineering and regenerative medicine. Numerous studies have shown graphene to be a desirable tool for disease detection and therapy, enhancing existing methods by increasing their accuracy and efficacy while lowering secondary adverse health effects. Based on in vitro studies, it can also stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells, proving its efficiency in regenerative medicine. Furthermore, compared to conventional drug delivery methods, the drug loading rate of graphene-based materials is substantially greater due to their high specific area and outstanding biocompatibility.

Therefore, the aim of this Special Issue is to make a substantial contribution to understanding and broadening knowledge on the potential uses of graphene-based materials in a wide range of applications in the fields of pharmaceuticals and medicine. We invite authors to submit both original research and review articles focused on the design, engineering, and physicochemical assessment of new carbon-based materials and the molecular principles influencing the performance of graphene and its composites in selective sensing, targeted bioimaging and efficient therapeutics, drugs and gene delivery or tissue engineering.

Dr. Lidia Magerusan
Dr. Pogacean Florina
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • graphene
  • graphene-based composites
  • graphene-based sensors
  • biomedical applications
  • tissue engineering
  • drug delivery

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2686 KiB  
Article
Determination of Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 in Biological Samples Using a 3D Stochastic Microsensor Based on Graphene Oxide/AuNanoparticles/(Z)-N-(pyridin-4-yl-methyl) Octadec-9-enamide
by Catalina Cioates Negut, Ruxandra-Maria Ilie-Mihai and Raluca-Ioana Stefan-van Staden
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(12), 6720; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126720 - 18 Jun 2024
Viewed by 626
Abstract
The levels of the MMPs in the biological samples of confirmed patients with gastric cancer are significantly elevated compared to those found in healthy people. Therefore, a novel 3D stochastic microsensor based on graphene oxide, modified with gold nanoparticles and (Z)-N-(pyridin-4-yl-methyl) octadec-9-enamide (namely [...] Read more.
The levels of the MMPs in the biological samples of confirmed patients with gastric cancer are significantly elevated compared to those found in healthy people. Therefore, a novel 3D stochastic microsensor based on graphene oxide, modified with gold nanoparticles and (Z)-N-(pyridin-4-yl-methyl) octadec-9-enamide (namely N2-AuNP/GO), was designed for the determination of MMP-2 in biological samples, and validated for the screening tests of biological samples in order to be used for the early diagnosis of gastric cancer. The proposed sensor presents a low limit of quantification (1.00 × 10−22 g mL−1), high sensitivity (1.84 × 107 s−1 g−1 mL), and a wide working concentration range (1.00 × 10−22–1.00 × 10−7 g mL−1). Recovery values higher than 99.15% were recorded for the assay of MMP-2 in whole blood, gastric tissue tumors, saliva, and urine samples. Full article
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24 pages, 7680 KiB  
Article
Development of an Innovative Biosensor Based on Graphene/PEDOT/Tyrosinase for the Detection of Phenolic Compounds in River Waters
by Alexandra Virginia Bounegru, Catalina Iticescu, Lucian P. Georgescu and Constantin Apetrei
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(8), 4419; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084419 - 17 Apr 2024
Viewed by 999
Abstract
Phenolic compounds, originating from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources, can leach into flowing waters, adversely affecting aquatic life, biodiversity, and compromising the quality of drinking water, posing potential health hazards to humans. Thus, monitoring and mitigating the presence of phenolic compounds in flowing [...] Read more.
Phenolic compounds, originating from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources, can leach into flowing waters, adversely affecting aquatic life, biodiversity, and compromising the quality of drinking water, posing potential health hazards to humans. Thus, monitoring and mitigating the presence of phenolic compounds in flowing waters are essential for preserving ecosystem integrity and safeguarding public health. This study explores the development and performance of an innovative sensor based on screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with graphene (GPH), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and tyrosinase (Ty), designed for water analysis, focusing on the manufacturing process and the obtained electroanalytical results. The proposed biosensor (SPE/GPH/PEDOT/Ty) was designed to achieve a high level of precision and sensitivity, as well as to allow efficient analytical recoveries. Special attention was given to the manufacturing process and optimization of the modifying elements’ composition. This study highlights the potential of the biosensor as an efficient and reliable solution for water analysis. Modification with graphene, the synthesis and electropolymerization deposition of the PEDOT polymer, and tyrosinase immobilization contributed to obtaining a high-performance and robust biosensor, presenting promising perspectives in monitoring the quality of the aquatic environment. Regarding the electroanalytical experimental results, the detection limits (LODs) obtained with this biosensor are extremely low for all phenolic compounds (8.63 × 10−10 M for catechol, 7.72 × 10−10 M for 3-methoxycatechol, and 9.56 × 10−10 M for 4-methylcatechol), emphasizing its ability to accurately measure even subtle variations in the trace compound parameters. The enhanced sensitivity of the biosensor facilitates detection and quantification in river water samples. Analytical recovery is also an essential aspect, and the biosensor presents consistent and reproducible results. This feature significantly improves the reliability and usefulness of the biosensor in practical applications, making it suitable for monitoring industrial or river water. Full article
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19 pages, 4748 KiB  
Article
Harnessing Graphene-Modified Electrode Sensitivity for Enhanced Ciprofloxacin Detection
by Lidia Mǎgeruşan, Florina Pogǎcean, Bogdan-Ionuţ Cozar, Septimiu-Cassian Tripon and Stela Pruneanu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3691; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073691 - 26 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 894
Abstract
Increased evidence has documented a direct association between Ciprofloxacin (CFX) intake and significant disruption to the normal functions of connective tissues, leading to severe health conditions (such as tendonitis, tendon rupture and retinal detachment). Additionally, CFX is recognized as a potential emerging pollutant, [...] Read more.
Increased evidence has documented a direct association between Ciprofloxacin (CFX) intake and significant disruption to the normal functions of connective tissues, leading to severe health conditions (such as tendonitis, tendon rupture and retinal detachment). Additionally, CFX is recognized as a potential emerging pollutant, as it seems to impact both animal and human food chains, resulting in severe health implications. Consequently, there is a compelling need for the precise, swift and selective detection of this fluoroquinolone-class antibiotic. Herein, we present a novel graphene-based electrochemical sensor designed for Ciprofloxacin (CFX) detection and discuss its practical utility. The graphene material was synthesized using a relatively straightforward and cost-effective approach involving the electrochemical exfoliation of graphite, through a pulsing current, in 0.05 M sodium sulphate (Na2SO4), 0.05 M boric acid (H3BO3) and 0.05 M sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. The resulting material underwent systematic characterization using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Subsequently, it was employed in the fabrication of modified glassy carbon surfaces (EGr/GC). Linear Sweep Voltammetry studies revealed that CFX experiences an irreversible oxidation process on the sensor surface at approximately 1.05 V. Under optimal conditions, the limit of quantification was found to be 0.33 × 10−8 M, with a corresponding limit of detection of 0.1 × 10−8 M. Additionally, the developed sensor’s practical suitability was assessed using commercially available pharmaceutical products. Full article
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Review

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31 pages, 1994 KiB  
Review
Graphene-Oxide Peptide-Containing Materials for Biomedical Applications
by Andreea Gostaviceanu, Simona Gavrilaş, Lucian Copolovici and Dana Maria Copolovici
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(18), 10174; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251810174 - 22 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1116
Abstract
This review explores the application of graphene-based materials (GBMs) in biomedicine, focusing on graphene oxide (GO) and its interactions with peptides and proteins. GO, a versatile nanomaterial with oxygen-containing functional groups, holds significant potential for biomedical applications but faces challenges related to toxicity [...] Read more.
This review explores the application of graphene-based materials (GBMs) in biomedicine, focusing on graphene oxide (GO) and its interactions with peptides and proteins. GO, a versatile nanomaterial with oxygen-containing functional groups, holds significant potential for biomedical applications but faces challenges related to toxicity and environmental impact. Peptides and proteins can be functionalized on GO surfaces through various methods, including non-covalent interactions such as π–π stacking, electrostatic forces, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals forces, as well as covalent bonding through reactions involving amide bond formation, esterification, thiol chemistry, and click chemistry. These approaches enhance GO’s functionality in several key areas: biosensing for sensitive biomarker detection, theranostic imaging that integrates diagnostics and therapy for real-time treatment monitoring, and targeted cancer therapy where GO can deliver drugs directly to tumor sites while being tracked by imaging techniques like MRI and photoacoustic imaging. Additionally, GO-based scaffolds are advancing tissue engineering and aiding tissues’ bone, muscle, and nerve tissue regeneration, while their antimicrobial properties are improving infection-resistant medical devices. Despite its potential, addressing challenges related to stability and scalability is essential to fully harness the benefits of GBMs in healthcare. Full article
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