Quercetin-Loaded Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles Modulate Inflammatory Gene Expression and Enhance Cell Migration In Vitro.

Abstract

Quercetin, a plant-derived flavonoid, shows promising wound-healing properties due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. However, its limited water solubility limits its use. This study aims to enhance quercetin's efficacy by loading it onto graphene oxide (GO) and evaluating its in vitro effects for wound healing. GO is synthesized and quercetin is loaded onto its surface. Cytotoxicity of GO, quercetin, and quercetin-loaded GO on human foreskin fibroblasts is determined. The expression levels of genes NF-κB, IL-1β, and TNF-α are measured using qPCR. Wound healing is assessed via a scratch assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and maximum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of GO and quercetin-loaded GO against E. coli and S. aureus are determined. Results show quercetin release is higher at pH 8.5 (59%) compared to pH 7.4 (40%). Cytotoxicity studies indicate that quercetin-loaded GO enhances biocompatibility. The scratch assay shows a significantly higher wound closure rate in the quercetin-loaded GO group after 48 h, than GO and quercetin alone (p < 0.05). Additionally, quercetin-loaded GO exhibits antibacterial activity with MIC values of 4.8 μg mL^-1 for both bacteria. These findings suggest that quercetin-loaded GO is a promising candidate for wound healing.