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A review on graphene nanoribbons for advanced biomedical applications

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Abstract

Graphene nanoribbons materialize as a next-generation carrier for development of nanodimensional diagnostic devices and drug delivery systems due to the unique and cutting-edge electronic, thermal, mechanical and optical properties associated with graphene. This review article focuses on the important applications of GNRs in the field of biomedicine and biosensing. Graphene nanoribbons are highly developed form of graphene with a wide importance due to their distinctive properties such as large surface area, enhanced mechanical strength and improved electro-conductivity. GNRs are effective substitutes for conventional silicon-based transistors used in biochemical reactions and exploited in the fields of biomedicine and diagnostics due to their effective uptake by mammalian cells. The cellular interactions of GNRs consist of highly specific receptor-mediated transport, phagocytosis and non-specific transport systems involving copious forces of adhesion. The presence of quantum chains in GNRs increases their potential for fabrication of technically challenging sensing devices in the future.

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Abbreviations

4-NP:

4-Nonyl-phenol

BBB:

Blood–brain barrier

CNTs:

Carbon nanotubes

DOX:

Doxorubicin

ETV:

Entecavir

FAD:

Flavin––adenine–dinucleotide

GBNMs:

Graphene-based nanomaterials

GCE:

Glassy carbon electrode

GFM:

Glioblastomamultiforme

GNP:

Graphene nanoplatelet

GNP-Dex:

Graphene nanoparticle-dextran

GNRs:

Graphene nanoribbons

GO:

Graphene oxide

LDH:

Lactate dehydrogenase

MIP:

Molecularly imprinted polymer

MNGNR:

Molecularly imprinted-nitrogen-doped graphene nanoribbons

MWCNTs:

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes

NCE:

Nanoparticle cellular endocytosis

NGNRs:

Nitrogen-doped graphene nanoribbons

NP:

Nanoparticle

O-CNHs:

Oxidized-carbon nanohorns

O-CNOs:

Oxidized-carbon nano-onions

O-GNR:

Oxidized graphene nanoribbons

PEI:

Polyethylenimine

QDs:

Quantum dots

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

r-GO:

Reduced graphene oxide

SWCNTs:

Single-walled carbon nanotubes

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  1. Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM’S NMIMS, V.L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India

    Pravin Shende, Steffi Augustine & Bala Prabhakar

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  1. Pravin Shende
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  2. Steffi Augustine
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Shende, P., Augustine, S. & Prabhakar, B. A review on graphene nanoribbons for advanced biomedical applications. Carbon Lett. 30, 465–475 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42823-020-00125-1

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