Abstract
The extensive range of applications associated with graphene and its
derivatives has captivated the attention of nano biotechnologists due to their
remarkable versatility. The 2D clan of graphene possesses exceptional physical,
chemical, and mechanical characteristics, rendering it an extraordinary material with
unparalleled properties. It is an allotrope of carbon which has a 2-dimensional
hexagonal lattice structure. It has broad applicability in material science, physics,
chemistry, biology, etc. Graphene is advantageous over other materials because (a) it is
the finest and toughest material known to date; (b) It has a monolayer of carbon atoms
that are transparent and also possess flexibility; (c) it acts as an excellent electrical and
thermal conductor. Besides its natural availability, its demand has led to its synthesis
using hierarchical and self-assembly methods. Modification of graphene according to
various biological systems increases its solubility, selectivity, and compatibility.
Graphene is used as a substrate interfacing with different biomolecules and cells as
tissue scaffolds and to generate stem cells for regenerative medicines. Graphene and its
derivatives are applied in drug delivery, gene delivery, biomolecule recognition,
molecular medicine, bioassays, antibacterial compositions, biosensing, energy storage,
and catalysis. Graphene derivatives have been recently used as theranostics in cancer
because of their intrinsic photoluminescent properties and treatment of several
microbial infections. Though graphene has been explored tremendously, studying the
toxicity issues and its interaction with the environment and ecosystem is imperative.
This chapter will uncover the different forms of graphene and its derivatives; its
synthesis approaches, and various applications in biomedicine.