Nano Material Toxicity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pioneering Study Reveals Cellular and Mitochondrial Toxicity of Raffinose Functionalized Graphene Oxide

Toronto, ON – A collaborative effort by researchers from the University of Toronto and Iran University of Medical Sciences, and the University of Windsor has culminated in a breakthrough study, casting light on the cellular and mitochondrial toxicity of Raffinose Functionalized Graphene Oxide (RafGO) nanosheets against vital organs in mice. The comprehensive study, meticulously detailed in the Journal of Nanomedicine, offers invaluable insights into the multifaceted interactions of these nanosheets with biological systems.

Graphene Oxide (GO), known for its unique physicochemical properties and versatility in applications ranging from drug delivery to tissue engineering, has garnered widespread attention in the scientific community. However, concerns regarding its potential toxicity have underscored the need for thorough investigations. This study, spearheaded by a team of dedicated researchers including Parvaneh Naserzadeh, Amir Jafari, Atoosa Sharifi Shekarestalkhi, Ali Maleki, and Masoud Akhshik, takes a significant step in unraveling the intricate dynamics of GO's interactions with biological systems.

In this groundbreaking research, RafGO nanosheets were meticulously synthesized and characterized, ensuring their precise application in the study. The team employed an array of sophisticated techniques including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to confirm the successful synthesis and to observe the morphological characteristics of the RafGO nanosheets.

The study's profound implications lie in its comprehensive exploration of RafGO nanosheets' interactions with isolated cells from various vital organs, including the brain, liver, heart, kidney, and B-lymphocytes. The researchers meticulously analyzed several key parameters such as cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cytochrome-c release. The findings reveal a complex interplay where RafGO nanosheets induce oxidative stress, causing significant alterations in cellular and mitochondrial functions, ultimately leading to cell death.

Dr. Masod Akhshik, one of the leading researchers of the study, emphasized the importance of this research, stating, "Our findings provide a crucial understanding of the cellular and mitochondrial interactions of RafGO nanosheets, paving the way for safer and more informed applications of graphene oxide in biomedical engineering."

The study is not only a testament to the collaborative spirit of the scientific community but also a beacon guiding future research in the safe and responsible utilization of nanomaterials in medicine and beyond.

For more detailed insights and implications of this pivotal research, the full paper, "Cellular and Mitochondrial Toxicity of Raffinose Functionalized Graphene Oxide against Mouse Vital Organs," is accessible in the Journal of Nanomedicine, 2023.

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