Biological Responses in the Blood and Organs of Rats to Intraperitoneal Inoculation of Graphene and Graphene Oxide

Abstract

Background: The discrepancy among the in vivo results found in the literature regarding graphene’s side effects led us to conduct an in vivo study with graphene. Methods: In vivo tests involving intraperitoneal inoculation of graphene and graphene oxide nanosheets in rats were carried out to assess potential changes in the blood and organs after 15 and 30 days. Graphene and graphene oxide nanosheets at a concentration of 4 mg per kilogram were suspended in an aqueous solution of 0.9% NaCl at a 1:1 proportion (graphene or graphene oxide), i.e., 1 mg/mL. Results: Optical microscopy of liver, kidney, spleen, and lung tissues revealed no visible histological changes. However, particle traces were found in the peritoneal cavity. Thirty days after inoculation, blood samples were collected for hematological analysis. The blood analysis showed changes indicating a hepatic inflammatory process. Hematological changes after 30 days consisted of alterations to the red series, including microcytosis or higher mean hemoglobin concentrations. In addition, changes in prothrombin and thromboplastin caused longer coagulation times. Conclusion: This study contributes to further clarifying the possible toxicity of graphene and its potential biomedical applications.