Antibacterial Activity and Cytotoxicity of Graphyne and Graphyne Oxide

Graphyne (GDY) is a new type of two-dimensional carbon nanomaterials formed by sp and sp2 hybrid carbon atoms. It has abundant carbon chemical bonds, large conjugated systems and excellent chemical stability. Known as the most stable allotrope of synthetic diacetylene carbon. In recent years, the basic applications of graphyne materials in the field of electrochemical energy conversion have developed rapidly, such as lithium storage materials and battery anode materials.

In addition, because graphyne composites have good biocompatibility and no obvious toxic side effects, graphyne and its composite nanomaterials have broad application prospects as new medical nanomaterials in disease treatment. However, the cytotoxic properties of this new type of carbon nanomaterials are rarely studied, and the mechanism behind its cytotoxicity is completely unknown.

Recently, researchers from Qingdao University of Science and Technology revealed the antibacterial activity of graphyne and graphdiyne oxide. Related research results were published in the recent "SMALL" journal under the name "Antibacterial Activity of Graphdiyne and Graphdiyne Oxide".

Studies have found that GDY is capable of inhibiting broad‐spectrum bacterial growth while exerting moderate cytotoxicity on mammalian cells. In comparison, GDYO exhibits lower antibacterial activity than that of GDY. Then an alterable, synergetic antibacterial mechanism of GDY, involving wrapping bacterial membrane, membrane insertion and disruption, and reactive oxygen species generation is demonstrated, while the differential gene expression analysis indicates that GDY could only alter the bacterial metabolism slightly and the oxidative stress route may be a minor bactericidal factor.

The study reveals the antibacterial properties of graphyne, which not only provides useful guidance for the design and application of this new type of carbon molecular allotrope, but also provides it as a new type of bio-nanomaterial and explores its application in disease treatment ideas.

Reference: Zhiling Zhu, et al. Antibacterial Activity of Graphdiyne and Graphdiyne Oxide. Small, 2020. DOI: 10.1002/smll.202001440