Graphene oxide is a derivative of graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It has attracted significant interest in the biomedical field due to its unique properties, including high surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and strong antioxidant capabilities. However, the large-scale production of graphene oxide is often associated with toxic chemicals and harsh conditions, limiting its clinical translation.
In this study, the Rice researchers investigated the antioxidant properties of naturally occurring compounds known as flavonoids. Flavonoids are found in a wide variety of plants and herbs and have been shown to possess various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities.
The team, led by Pulickel Ajayan, the Benjamin M. and Mary Greenwood Anderson Professor in Engineering and professor of materials science and nanoengineering, tested the antioxidant capabilities of several flavonoids, including quercetin, rutin, and naringenin. They found that these compounds exhibited similar antioxidant properties to graphene oxide in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are harmful molecules that can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases.
"We were surprised to find that these natural compounds could mimic the antioxidant activity of graphene oxide, which is known to be one of the most effective antioxidants," Ajayan said. "This discovery opens up new possibilities for the development of natural antioxidant therapies."
The researchers further demonstrated that flavonoids, like graphene oxide, could protect cells from oxidative stress-induced damage. They exposed human lung cells to hydrogen peroxide, a strong oxidizing agent that can cause cell death. Pretreatment with flavonoids significantly reduced cell death, suggesting that these compounds could offer protective effects against oxidative damage.
The study provides a proof-of-concept for the use of flavonoids as potential therapeutic agents for oxidative stress-related diseases. Flavonoids have several advantages over graphene oxide, including their natural occurrence, biocompatibility, and lack of toxicity. They could potentially be used as dietary supplements or incorporated into topical formulations for skin care and wound healing.
"Our findings highlight the potential of natural products in mimicking the properties of synthetic materials for biomedical applications," Ajayan said. "This approach could lead to the development of safer and more sustainable therapies for a range of diseases."
