Unravelling the in vivo biotoxicity of green-biofabricated Graphene Oxide-Microplastic hybrid mediated by proximal intrinsic atomic interaction

Abstract

Graphene Oxide (GO) nano-sheets have emerged as a potent nanomaterial for a range of applications like antibacterial, antibiofilm. Besides, Microplastic are emerging as a chronic pollutant originated from the aggrandized usage of plastics, for possessing serious repercussions to the living beings and the environment. In concern of the issue, the individual toxicological impacts of GO nano-sheets and Polystyrene (PS) have received substantial research, the mechanistic details and toxicological effects of GO and PS as a hybrid is yet unknown. This study evaluates the in vivo biotoxicity of a lab mimic green synthesized GO@PS hybrid using embryonic zebrafish through experimental and computational approach. The physiochemical characterzation of the GO@PS verified the synthesis of a stable 1433.0 ± 268.0 nm sized GO@PS hybrid with a zeta potential of -47.3 ± 5.7 mV. Mechanistic analysis deduced the toxicological impact as a cause of induced apoptosis due to dysregulated oxidative stress lead by the hypoxic condition created due to blockage of chorion by attachment and accumulation of GO@PS. The study depicted the in vivo toxicity of GO, PS and GO@PS at cellular and molecular level to draw attention for taking measures in usage of GO and PS in terms of environmental and human health.