FOOD AND WATER NANOSAFETY CONSIDERATIONS OF GRAPHENE OXIDES

Abstract

Safety-by-design is the ideal goal that nanomaterials should work towards. Membranes constructed out of graphene derivatives are exceptional candidates for water recycling and even desalination, potentially boosting water supply. Dislodged nanoflakes will be released continuously due to high pressure and normal wear and tear, entering the water supply. Direct effects of graphene oxides at realistically low mass doses on human gastrointestinal cell lines were investigated and little or no toxicity was found even after treatment (on cells) with higher than real expected graphene oxide concentrations that can enter the water system. However, the indirect effects require a closer assessment before widespread commercialization of the technology.