Advanced review of graphene-based nanomaterials in drug delivery systems: Synthesis, modification, toxicity and application

Highlight
- Summarization of the synthesis and modification of graphene family nanomaterials.
- Summarization of the toxicity of graphene family nanomaterials from microbial to cellular to in vivo level.
- Summarization of the drug delivery applications of graphene family nanomaterials.

The discovery of graphene, a notable achievement in the field of novel carbon nanomaterials, has triggered the worldwide exploration of the biomedical applications of this material since 2004 because of its unique properties. The two-dimensional planar structure, large surface area, chemical stability, mechanical stability, and good biocompatibility of graphene are promising for applications in drug delivery systems (DDSs). In this review, we briefly discuss the characteristics, synthesis, and modification of graphene. We also investigate its toxicity and its applications in DDSs, with several representative examples. This review presents a comprehensive summary of graphene-based nanomaterials from their characteristics to their synthesis and applications, as well as their in vitro and in vivo evaluation in medicine. This paper provides a guiding strategy for the selection of optimal approaches to the fabrication of nanocarriers that are suitable for medical treatments and to controlling the toxicity within therapeutic safety limits. The promising achievements made with graphene-based nanomaterials indicate several possibilities for further biomedical research, as well as theoretical and applied development.

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