Characterization of graphene immune-impacts through omics approaches and genotoxic analysis

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Björn Schumacher
• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics ; Experimental Condensed Matter Physics ; Cell Biology
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 279055639

Graphene is the most promising, versatile, sustainable key enabling nanotechnology which may bring solutions in the near future to many areas spanning materials science and medicine.However, the potential interactions of graphene with biological systems deriving from its physico-chemical properties and reactivity are raising public concern on risks for human health and environment. Independently from any specific purpose, a critical step for future translational applications is represented by the assessment of graphene impact on the immune system. Following any type of exposures, nanomaterials immediately contact the organism immune cells. Hence the investigation of the immune cell reactions is a milestone for the safe exploitation of graphene for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.The overall objective of G-IMMUNOMICS is to complement Flagship research on graphene safety with immunogenomic and proteomic data, not covered by the Core Project. G-IMMUNOMICS will provide new insights on the immune impact of several types of graphene to lay the basis for a safe use of graphene and the graphene technology future transfer in medicine. The specific objectives are:1. Produce highly stable and dispersible pristine and functionalized graphene family materials (GFMs) with different lateral size and appropriate functionalizations2. Characterize by high throughput functional immunogenomics and proteomics approaches and genotoxic assays the immune cell response induced by GFMs on different cell lines and primary cells3. Evaluate the immune cell response induced by GFMs on four different species: human, mouse, pig and worm.G-IMMUNOMICS integrates with the FLAGSHIP at 3 levels- Scientific. collaborations are ongoing with many partners of the Flagship; in particular the project will synergize with the WP2 Flagship objectives. The project will: 1) extend the range of immune cell types investigated with a wide variety of populations and species; 2) implement large scale OMICS research approaches assays (genomics and proteomics); 3) take part in assessment of the environmental impact of new materials by analysing the genotoxic effect on different organisms.- Operational. The work plan builds on deep connections with the FLAGSHIP, due to: 1) exploitation of synthesis protocol Flagship developed by WP1 and WP10; 2) testing of GFMs provided by Flagship WP2 and WP10 partners; 3) usage of human ex vivo and mouse in vivo samples for genomic, proteomic and genotoxic analysis provided by Flagship WP2.- Dissemination. The results gained during the project will be shared with Flagship partners during WP meetings and general assemblies in order to boost the transfer of knowledge achieved on graphene.Outcomes: G-IMMUNOMICS research may outline potential pathogenic biomarkers (genes, miRNAs and proteins) associated with GFMs exposure, assess their overall safety profile and identify highly biocompatible GFMs suitable for future medical exploitation.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: France, Italy, Turkey, United Kingdom
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Dr. Alberto Bianco; Dr. Lucia Gemma Delogu; Professor Kostas Kostarelos; Professor Dr. Maurizio Prato; Dr. Acelya Yilmazer