GO nanosheets inhibit the proliferation of hPDLCs by covering the membrane to block the EGFR-AKT signaling pathway

Graphene-based materials show potential applications in dentistry due to their outstanding physicochemical properties. However, the use of graphene and its derivatives increases their exposure risk to periodontal cells. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity caused by graphene in periodontal cells and clarify the potential molecular mechanism. Through a series of experiments, we isolated human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) and subsequently investigated the cytotoxic behaviors and related signaling pathway through which graphene oxide (GO) nanohseets injured hPDLCs. Our findings illustrated that the cytotoxicity of GO against hPDLCs was derived from the covering of GO nanosheets on the membrane surface, which blocked the phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor on the membrane. It further inhibited the activation of the serine/threonine kinase signaling pathway that promoted the proliferation and cycle progression of cells. This study revealed the toxic behavior of GO nanosheets to oral cells and elucidated the potential molecular mechanism, thereby providing theoretical guidance for the safe application of graphene-based materials in dentistry.