Characterization of the cytotoxicity of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) are carbon nanomaterials, which stand out for their industrial and biomedical use due to their extraordinary physicochemical properties. Nevertheless, possible health risks call into question the benefits derived from its use. In particular, our interest is focused on cardiovascular tissue. Accumulation of particles in the myocardium may be feasible in this type of tissue, a risk that is more severe in tissues with a predisposition to damage. Even at low concentrations of particles, the risk ratio indicates the possibility of cardiometabolic disorders. The present study analyzes the cytotoxicity of GO and RGO in healthy cardiomyoblasts and cardiomyoblasts with cellular damage, using a pathological model of angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy. From the results obtained, we proposed possible mechanisms of cellular damage.