In vitro and in vivo safety profile assessment of graphene oxide decorated with different concentrations of magnetite

In the last years, graphene oxide (GO) has attracted a lot of attention as a highly versatile structure, allowing studies aiming its application as support for magnetic nanoparticles. Thus, a technique of incorporation of iron nanoparticles into a GO surface was used, avoiding harmful agents to the environment, corroborating with the concepts applied in green chemistry, since pollution and environment damage is increasing due to incorrect disposal. The GO and magnetite-functionalized graphene oxide were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Through the characterization techniques, it was possible to verify the presence of magnetite coated on the GO surface and typical morphology of the magnetic nanocomposite (GO·Fe₃O₄). After the synthesis and characterization studies, the cytotoxic effect of all produced nanocomposites was analyzed through DNA-PicoGreen®, dichlorofluorescein diacetate, nitric oxide, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assays. In addition, the ecotoxic activity evaluation was performed through bioassay employing Artemia salina. The results showed low cytotoxic activity and ecotoxicity of the nanomaterials compared to the respective controls, exhibiting toxicity only at higher concentrations. With these experimental data, it is possible to produce a non-toxic magnetic nanocomposite, capable of being removed from the environment, through the application of a magnetic field, not having acute toxicity in Artemia salina.