Abstract
BACKGROUND: A promising nanomaterial with potential uses in biomedicine, such as cancer treatment, is graphene oxide (GO). However, its cytotoxic effects on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain underexplored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For 24 and 48 hours, OSCC cell lines were cultivated and exposed to different doses of GO (10, 20, 50, and 100 μg/mL). The MTT test was used to measure cytotoxicity and ascertain cell viability. Morphological alterations were seen by phase-contrast microscopy, and apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ANOVA was used for the statistical analysis, and P < 0.05 was chosen as the significance level. RESULTS: OSCC cell viability decreased in response to GO treatment in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cell viability at 100 μg/mL dropped to 40% (P < 0.05) after 24 hours and then to 25% after 48 hours. Apoptosis was shown by morphological examination, which revealed cell detachment and shrinkage. Apoptotic cells increased from 15% at 10 μg/mL to 60% at 100 μg/mL, according to flow cytometry data (P < 0.05). At greater GO concentrations, ROS levels significantly increased, indicating cytotoxicity caused by oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: Graphene oxide dose- and time-dependently kills OSCC cells via apoptosis and oxidative damage. GO may treat OSCC, but further research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy.