The Graphene Miracle

Graphene and its derivatives are considered the most important and versatile materials known to man. Discovered about 20 years ago, their production has dramatically increased, with a current Graphite world market of $19B, and an expected Graphene Composite market of $250M by 2026.

So what are the remarkable physicochemical properties of Graphene?

1) Its small size, which ranges from 1nm to 100nm. This literally makes it a nanomaterial which can interact with small organic molecules, DNA, Viruses, bacteria, and cells. These characteristics give it many biological and medical applications, from vaccine adjuvants, to sensors, to nanobots.

2) These compounds also have polar (charged, water soluble, hydrophilic) areas, and nonpolar (noncharged, lipid soluble, hydrophobic) portions. This allows them to interact with and pass through many compounds and biological structures, like metals (doping), cell membranes, blood, the Gut Mucosal Blood Barrier, Blood Brain Barrier (BBB), and even into the Nucleus. This makes them relevant in Gene Therapy technologies, where they, along with other compounds like PEG and Cationic Lipid Nano Particles, bring desired new RNA codes to the nucleus and into DNA to control the machinery of the cell to make new proteins and alter cellular function.

3) The fact that graphene and its oxides are nanomaterials makes them obey the laws of Quantum Mechanics. Phenomena like photon absorption and electron and proton tunneling at instantaneous speeds throughout the substance give it its miraculous optical, electrical and heat superconductor properties. In addition, Graphene stores charge quickly in different portions, especially when doped with metals (supercapacitor properties). These features make it extremely valuable in microelectronics, battery technologies, and photovoltaic cells.

4) Its strong hexagonal carbon lattice structure. This makes it virtually impervious and incredibly flexible. Hence its relevance in coatings, clothing, and other structural composite materials

So by now you must be wondering what Graphene and other nanomaterials are not used in, and where they have ended up unexpectedly. There are hundreds of other applications not even mentioned above.

But as scientists and physicians, we must temper our enthusiasm with some skepticism, because the wellbeing of ourselves and planet is of primary importance....