Highlights • The biological effects induced in vitro by three graphene-based nanomaterials on human dental follicle stem cells, were evaluated. • Graphene oxide showed the lowest cytotoxic effect, followed by the nitrogen-doped graphene. • Thermally reduced graphene oxide exhibited high cytotoxic effects.
Research suggests we chew around 800X in an average meal; that’s almost a million times a year. We put our teeth under huge strain, and often require fillings to repair them. Fillings are typically made of a mixture of metals, such as copper, mercury, silver and tin, or composites of powdered glass and ceramic. Typical metal fillings can corrode and composite fillings are not very strong; Graphene on the other hand is 200X stronger than steel and doesn’t corrode, making it a prime new candidate for dental fillings.
In the study, researchers investigated whether different forms of graphene are toxic to teeth. Graphene comes in different forms, including graphene oxide,nitrogen-doped graphene and thermally reduced graphene oxide. The researchers tested how toxic these different types of graphene are in vitro for stem cells found in teeth.
Thermally reduced graphene oxide was highly toxic, making it inappropriate as a dental filling material. Nitrogen-doped graphene caused membrane damage at high doses (20 and 40 micrograms per milliliter). However, it was shown to have antioxidant properties, so it could be useful if covered in a protective layer. Graphene oxide was least toxic to cells, making it an ideal candidate.
“The results were very interesting and proved that graphene is appropriate for use in dental materials,” said Dr. Gabriela Adriana Filip. “We believe that this research will bring new knowledge about the cytotoxic properties of graphene-based materials and their potential applications in dental materials.” The next step for this research is for the team to make dental materials with graphene oxide and test how compatible they are with teeth, and how toxic they are to cells. The results are due to be published soon.
https://www.elsevier.com/about/press-releases/research-and-journals/graphene-oxide-could-make-stronger-dental-fillings
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