Covalent chemical functionalization enhances the biodegradation of graphene oxide

Rajendra Kurapati, Fanny Bonachera, Julie Russier, Adukamparai Rajukrishnan Sureshbabu, Cécilia Ménard-Moyon, Kostas Kostarelos, Alberto Bianco

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Biodegradation of the graphene-based materials is an emerging issue due to their estimated widespread usage in different industries. Indeed, a few concerns have been raised about their biopersistence. Here, we propose the design of surface-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) with the capacity to degrade more effectively compared to unmodified GO using horseradish peroxidase (HRP). For this purpose, we have functionalized the surface of GO with two well-known substrates of HRP namely coumarin and catechol. The biodegradation of all conjugates has been followed by Raman, dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy. Molecular docking and gel electrophoresis have been carried out to gain more insights into the interaction between GO conjugates and HRP. Our studies have revealed better binding when GO is functionalized with coumarin or catechol compared to control GOs. All results prove that GO functionalized with coumarin and catechol moieties display a faster and more efficient biodegradation over GO.

Original languageEnglish
Article number015020
Journal2D Materials
Volume5
Issue number1
Early online date13 Nov 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • biodegradation
  • carbon nanomaterials
  • functionalization
  • graphene oxide
  • horseradish peroxidase

Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms

  • National Graphene Institute

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