Narrow Results

Graphene based nanomaterials have attracted tremendous attention for their potential applications in various fields. In the present investigation, the growth of graphene on silicon substrate using thermal chemical vapor deposition (Thermal-CVD) method has been reported and the biocompatibility of obtained yield has been critically assessed. Raman spectra confirm the formation of graphene which was found to be the best to obtain minimal number of layers of graphene. Three prominent peaks have been observed at approximately 1360cm${}^{-1}$ (D Peak), 1595cm${}^{-1}$ (G Peak) and 2700cm${}^{-1}$ (2D Peak). Haemolysis test and simulated body fluid (SBF) test are performed to check the biocompatibility of the synthesized graphene samples. Atomic force micrographs of the samples are taken prior and after soaking them in SBF solution to study their interaction with the fluid. Haemolysis percentage is determined using UV-Vis to determine the hemocompatible nature of the samples. The results of haemolysis and SBF test demonstrated that Thermal-CVD grown graphene samples are biocompatible.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), due to their unique properties, have attracted researchers’ attention. Though SeNPs have been used for wide applications, the chemically synthesized one lacks stability due to aggregation, and it releases toxic byproducts. These drawbacks can be overcome by producing SeNPs using natural sources as reducing and capping agents. Luffa cylindrica is an immense source of phytochemical compounds reported for its potential therapeutical value towards cancer, asthma, and sinusitis. In the current study, we have synthesized SeNPs using leaf extract of L. cylindrica and evaluated its biocompatibility and haemocompatibility using peripheral blood mononuclear cells and erythrocytes respectively. The formation of SeNPs was confirmed by a color change from greenish yellow to ruby red during 6 h incubation at 40${}^{\circ }$C and further confirmed by the maximum absorbance at 266nm and 380nm in the UV–Vis spectrum. The fingerprint regions of the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum between 1500cm${}^{-1}$ and 500cm${}^{-1}$ revealed the presence of phytoconstituents of L. cylindrica. The particle size analysis showed a size range of 100nm and zeta potential of −13.6 mV. Scanning electron micrograph showed flower-shaped surface morphology with a size range of 100nm. The erythrocytes treated with higher concentrations of LC-SeNPs showed less than 5% lysis compared to the positive control. Similarly, in the apoptosis assay, 80.45% of cells remained viable after being treated with LC-SeNPs, which is comparable with that of untreated control. Since the synthesized SeNPs possess biocompatibility and are less cytotoxic, they could be used in cardiac tissue engineering applications. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to confirm its role in cardiac tissue engineering.