Novel microwave assisted carboxymethyl-graphene oxide and its hepatoprotective activity

Tohamy et al. BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology https://doi.org/10.1186/s40360-024-00768-0 (2024) 25:50 BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology Open Access RESEARCH Novel microwave assisted carboxymethylgraphene oxide and its hepatoprotective activity Hebat-Allah S. Tohamy1, Fatma El-Zahraa S. Mohamed2 and Mohamed El-Sakhawy1* Abstract This study reports a novel, eco-friendly; fast and cost-effective microwave method for synthesizing carboxymethylated graphene oxide (CMGO) from sugarcane residues. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed successful CMGO synthesis through the presence of characteristic peaks at 1567.93 and 1639.29 cm−1 (COONa vibrations) and increased CH2 intensity compared to unmodified graphene oxide (GO). Furthermore, CMGO derived from sugarcane residues demonstrated potential in mitigating the side effects of toxic materials like carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Treatment with CMGO partially reduced elevated levels of liver enzymes (ALT and AST) and nitrogenous waste products (urea and uric acid) in CCl4-induced liver damage models, suggesting an improvement in liver function despite ongoing cellular damage.This work paves the way for a sustainable and economical approach to produce functionalized graphene oxide with promising biomedical applications in alleviating toxin-induced liver injury. Graphical abstract Keywords Graphene oxide, Carbon tetracholoride (CCL4), Biochemical analysis, Histopathological liver *Correspondence: Mohamed El-Sakhawy Full list of author information is available at the end of the article © The Author(s) 2024. 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The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data. Tohamy et al. BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology (2024) 25:50 Introduction The fact that millions of people worldwide suffer from liver illness, which is made worse by things like alcoholism, smoking, and environmental pollution, emphasizes how important the liver is to the detoxification process [1–4]. In order to promote liver health, researchers use controlled models that use carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to produce liver injury. This allows them to better understand the mechanisms underlying liver damage and develop protective methods [1, 5]. Imagine the liver as a shield, keeping dangerous toxins away from our important organs. However, barriers can also be overpowered. Disease results from the harm done to liver cells when it occurs, akin to a castle being invaded. Even with the body’s built-in detoxifying system, liver disorders can pose a serious threat to public health. Scientists are working hard to develop novel treatments that will fortify this vital barrier, promote liver function, and potentially repair damaged cells [6]. At first appearance, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a transparent and versatile liquid, can appear harmless. Degreasers, refrigerants, and even fire extinguisher fluids are contained within. But take caution—this seemingly useful instrument has a hidden edge that is capable of doing significant damage [7]. The remarkable properties of graphene (G) and its nanostructures make them game-changers in medical and engineering fields [8]. One of the most prominent properties of graphene oxide (GO), a derivative of graphene (G), is its regulated hydrophilicity. Because of these characteristics and the help of surface hydroxyl groups, GO is more practical than the original G. Moreover, its minuscule dimensions and vast surface area offer intriguing opportunities for an array of uses [9– 11]. Modification of GO by carboxymethylation is one of the best methods. Through this process, some of the hydroxyl groups in the GO are swapped out for carboxymethyl groups, which increase the hydrophilicity of the material. Previously, carboxymethylation was achieved by reacting with monochloro acetic acid in severe environments [9, 10, 12]. In this work, we will use the microwave method to prepare carboxymethylated GO (CMGO) in a few minutes instead of the conventional method which was taken many hours. This technology is original and novel in that it attaches carboxymethyl groups to GO utilizing an ecologically friendly microwave process. We shall then look into how this changed GO affects liver protection. In a previous study, the protective effect of date fruit extract against toxicity in male rats was investigated [13]. In this study, sugar cane juice was introduced for rats feeding to study its protection against CCl4 toxicity. Page 2 of 7 Materials and methods Materials The study made use of easily accessible materials for the liver injury model as well as food ingredients. Using sugarcane bagasse (SC) from Quena Company for Paper Industry in Egypt, carboxymethylated graphene oxide (CMGO) was produced as a basis. Carbon tetrachloride (CCL4), available orally from BDH chemicals Ltd (Poole, England), was used to create controlled liver damage in animal models. Ingredients in the diet were carefully selected to ensure the best possible nutrition and experimental control. The protein source was casein (Al-Ahram Laboratory Chemicals, Egypt), and the dietary fiber was cellulose (Laboratory of Rasayan, Fine Chemical Limited, Mumbai, India). Dietary balance was guaranteed by vital salts and vitamins from BDH (England) and Fluka (Germany), respectively. The animals’ food requirements were supplied by additional purchases from the local market. Accurate evaluation of liver and renal function was assured by trustworthy diagnostic instruments. Key markers such as ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, and uric acid might be determined spectrophotometrically with the help of Diamond diagnostics kits (MDSS GmbH, Hannover, Germany). Every chemical utilized was analytical grade, and it wasn’t further purified before usage. Preparation of graphene oxide from SC 0.5 g SC and 100 mg ferrocene were placed into a muffle furnace at 300 °C for 10 min to attain a black powdered GO [9]. Preparation of carboxymethyl-GO (CMGO) The prepared GO (15 g) was mixed with isopropanol (400 ml), (...truncated)