Differential nano-bio interactions and toxicity effects of pristine versus functionalized graphene

Abstract

We report the effect of carboxyl functionalization of graphene in pacifying its strong hydrophobic interaction with cells and associated toxic effects. Pristine graphene was found to accumulate on the cell membrane causing high oxidative stress leading to apoptosis, whereas carboxyl functionalized hydrophilic graphene was internalized by the cells without causing any toxicity.