In an era where technological advancements are rapidly changing lives, scientists have made significant advances in nanotechnology, focusing on graphene – a material known for its superior properties and great potential in a variety of applications.
Hailed as the thinnest, strongest and most flexible material known, this revolutionary nanomaterial is now being developed with a close focus on human health safety.
Recent studies have shown that controlled inhalation of a specific form of graphene, called graphene oxide, does not pose short-term health risks to lung or cardiovascular function.
The findings, which come from the first-ever controlled exposure clinical trial involving human participants, highlight the safety of the material under specific conditions.
Graphene oxide, a water-compatible form of graphene, was used in this groundbreaking study to ensure ultra-purity and compatibility for potential medical applications.
The study, which was a collaboration between researchers from the University of Edinburgh and the University of Manchester, marks a key step in understanding graphene's interaction with the human body.
Despite the encouraging results, given the incredibly fine structure of graphene, the researchers advocate further research to explore the effects of higher doses or long-term exposure to graphene.
The allure of graphene as a "miracle material" stems from its discovery in 2004 and its potential to revolutionize industries from electronics to water purification.
Its application in the development of targeted ** for cancer and other health conditions, as well as in implantable devices and sensors, underscores the need for rigorous safety assessments prior to clinical use.
The study involved 14 volunteers who were exposed to graphene oxide under carefully controlled conditions.
Participants inhaled the material through a mask while cycling in the mobile exposure chamber, ensuring precise monitoring of any health effects.
The study carefully measured effects on lung function, blood pressure, blood clotting, and inflammatory markers, and conducted follow-up tests to compare responses to different sizes of graphene oxide and clean air.
Notably, the study found no significant adverse effects on lung function or blood pressure, with minimal effects on blood clotting – a finding that underscores the need for careful design of materials in nanotechnology applications.
Dr Mark Miller from the University of Edinburgh emphasised the importance of ensuring the safe manufacturing of nanomaterials such as graphene to safely harness their full potential.
Nanomaterials like graphene have such great promise, but we have to make sure they are made in a safe way before they can be used more widely in our lives," Dr. Miller explained.
Being able to explore the safety of this unique material in human volunteers is a big step in our understanding of how graphene affects the body. By careful design, we can safely get the most out of nanotechnology.
Similarly, Professor Kostas Kostarelos of the University of Manchester and the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) in Barcelona highlighted the decade-long journey of this research milestone.
He reflects on an integrated approach that combines materials science, biology, and clinical expertise.
This is the first-ever controlled study involving healthy people to demonstrate that very pure forms of graphene oxide – with specific size distributions and surface characteristics – can be further developed to minimise risks to human health," Kostarelos said.
We have spent more than 10 years developing the knowledge to conduct this research, from a materials and biological science point of view, but also from a clinical capacity point of view, by bringing together some of the world's leading experts in the field to safely conduct this controlled study.
Professor Bryan Williams of the British Heart Society praised the impact of the research on the development of new medical devices and methods, and expressed hope that future research could pave the way for the safe use of nanomaterials in life-saving applications.
The discovery that this type of graphene can be developed safely, with minimal short-term development, could open the door to the development of new devices, innovations and monitoring technologies," Williams said.
We look forward to seeing larger studies over a longer time frame to better understand how we can safely use nanomaterials like graphene to make leaps forward in delivering life-saving medicines to patients."