Scale-up production and application of graphene oxide as nanocarriers

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Nanoscale materials are being incorporated into products and devices, offering a glimpses of transformational change that have enabled a broad range of sectors including advanced manufacturing, nanomedicine, sustainable resource development and clean energy production. Current challenges include creating new and improved measurement approaches with higher spatial resolution, accuracy and sensitivity, preparation of standards and reference materials with nanoscale features and the ability to correlate properties and functions for nanomaterials. Availability of accurate, rapid and cost effective methods to ensure the quality and reproducibility of nanomaterials is another key obstacle to the development of their applications. Graphene oxide (GO), a two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial, has exhibited exceptional properties such as large surface area, high flexibility and stability, as well as dispersibility in aqueous solutions. GO has high potential in a range of applications, particularly in gene therapy serving as a nanocarrier for its strong complexation ability and interactions with DNAs and RNAs. However, despite the broad range of strategies, none of the graphene derivatives have been considered for clinical trials, largely due to the insufficient evidence provided in addressing the reproducibility of GO production, the variations of physicochemical properties across sample processing, and the potential cytotoxicity of the graphene materials. We propose to develop a novel approach with automation and potential machine-learning control in cross flow filtration system to generate scalable single layered GO products, with controlled and reproducible purity, morphology and physiochemical properties. We will also create novel formulations of GO conjugates using these reproducible product, to address the challenge of efficient targeting and delivery of nucleic acids into model cell systems as a proof of concept of GO application. At the same time, the toxicity of the GO nanocarriers will be evaluated using newly developed formulations and characterization methods, combined with traditional cell based assays, to offer a proof-of-process of GO nanocarriers with special research designs underline the gender based evaluations. The proposed innovation enables an industrial scale of 2D nanomaterial production, and provides fundamental stream for the developments of novel measurement methods and standardization for nanomaterials. These robust and standard methodologies delivers a transformative change on the development of nanomaterials that will ensure the applications in a broad range of sectors. The training program offers a diverse and inclusive research environment for students and trainees with particular emphasis to provide equitable opportunities to the under-representative group members and advance their knowledge and skills in the areas of surface chemistry, material sciences, multimodal imaging, nanoscale measurements and nanotechnology.