2D material graphene as a potential antidiabetic and nontoxic compound in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

This study explains the potential role of non-functionalized graphene produced using flash joule heating technology on Drosophila melanogaster. Several characterizations of the produced graphene were conducted via field emission-scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction studies. After being characterized, the graphene powder was orally administered to flies at doses ranging from 0.02 to 0.5%, establishing its non-toxic properties as a prerequisite for potential therapeutic applications. Experiments such as Trypan blue and 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) revealed that graphene causes no harm to the larval gut’s plasma membrane and nucleus. Behavioral assays such as crawling and climbing assays on larvae and adults demonstrated the non-neurotoxic nature of graphene. The high sucrose diet-induced diabetic Drosophila melanogaster model was used to study antidiabetic properties. In contrast, Gram + ve bacteria B. subtilis and Gram − ve P. aeruginosa were used to study the antibacterial properties of graphene. A better metabolic profile was evidenced after graphene treatment, including a 36% decrease in hemolymph-free glucose levels and significantly reduced lipid droplets at the highest concentration. In addition, the highest concentration of graphene treatment resulted in a 57% reduced fluorescent intensity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by diabetic flies. Considering all these evidence, this study concludes that graphene’s non-toxic and antidiabetic properties can be used to mitigate the symptoms associated with Type II diabetes and obesity.