My question is caused by a dual voice of research papers I have read. On one hand graphene or it's derivatives is used in composites with potential medical applications (stents, implants). I've even encountered one where a nitiol implant was covered with graphene (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3622089/) without adverse effects to cells.
On the other hand graphene on it's own is not the friendliest material to handle. From rash in case of direct contact with the skin to news that with it's small size graphene particles can get inside cells and destroy them from within. A dental filling with graphen (to increase the durability) was deemed too toxic to use in patients.
I'm hoping for some personal opinions or other infromation on that matter
Please go through the paper: Graphene based materials for biomedical applications,
Materials today, Volume 16, Issue 10, October 2013, Pages 365–373, by Yuqi Yang, Abdullah Mohamed Asiri, Zhiwen Tang, Dan Du , Yuehe Lin. This article selectively reviews current advances of graphene based materials for biomedical applications. In particular, graphene based biosensors for small biomolecules (glucose, dopamine etc.), proteins and DNA detection have been summarized; graphene based bioimaging, drug delivery, and photothermal therapy applications have been described in detail
Dear Magdalena Yes, CNT is eminently usable in a variety of in-vitro diagnostic applications (biosensors). However, CNT as drug carriers or theranostic material is some way off for routine applications in humans. After the experience with asbestos, regulatory authorities are, understandably, cautious with this nanomaterial. I am aware of number of publications describing its in-vivo potential in experimental animals but that is not the same as using it in humans.
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