Biocorona Formation and Hemolytic Effects of Graphene Oxide-Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

The graphene oxide (GO)-silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) hybrid material (GO-AgNPs) has garnered significant interest due to its ability to combine the unique properties of GO and AgNPs, showing promise applications in biomedicine, nanocomposites, biosensors, and antimicrobial materials. However, further investigation is needed to understand the nanobio-interactions and toxicity of GO-AgNPs nanohybrid. Assessing the toxicity of GO-AgNPs on red blood cells (hemolysis) and its interactions with blood biomolecules (biocorona formation) is mandatory for biomedical applications and safety evaluation of this material. In this work, we investigate the biocorona formation associated with GO-AgNPs after interaction with human plasma and hemolysate biomolecules linked to its hemolytic effects. Both GO and GO-AgNPs exhibited a dose-dependent hemolytic effect, with GO-AgNPs showing three times greater hemolysis than GO. Nonetheless, biocorona formation fully mitigated the hemolytic effect of both materials, however, morphological damages in red blood cells may occur yet. Our findings show that biocorona formation dramatically changes the surface chemistry, colloidal behavior and toxicity of this hybrid material. Finally, this work contributes to understanding how graphene-silver nanoparticles interact with blood components to design strategies to minimize toxicity risks and enhance their applications in biomedicine and nanobiotechnology.