Single exposure to aerosolized graphene oxide and graphene nanoplatelets did not initiate an acute biological response in a 3D human lung model

Abstract The increased mass production of graphene related materials (GRM), intended for a broad spectrum of applications, demands a thorough assessment of their potential hazard to humans and the environment. Particularly, the paramount concern has been expressed in regard to their interaction with the respiratory system in occupational exposure settings. It has been shown that GRM are easily respirable and can interact with lung cells resulting in the induction of oxidative stress or pulmonary inflammation. However, a comprehensive assessment of potential biological effects induced by GRM is currently hardly feasible to accomplish due to the lack of well-defined GRM materials and realistic exposure data. Herein, a 3D human lung model was combined with a commercial aerosolization system to study potential side effects of GRM. Two representative types of GRM were aerosolized onto the lung epithelial tissue surface. After 24 h post exposure, selected biological endpoints were evaluated, such as cell viability, morphology, barrier integrity, induction of (pro-)inflammation and oxidative stress reactions and compared with the reference material carbon black. Single exposure to all tested GRM at the two different exposure concentrations (∼300 and 1000 ng/cm2) did not initiate an observable adverse effect to the 3D lung model under acute exposure scenarios.