Graphene-based materials for implants

Abstract

Over the years, many different materials, e.g., titanium (Ti) and its alloys, have been used in biomedicine for several purposes. A common application of such materials is seen in their usage as implants. However, quite a number of graphene-based materials have emerged and developed from a two dimensional single atomic thick block of a carbon allotrope, known as graphene. Since the discovery and isolation of graphene from graphite in the year 2004, there has been tremendous positive improvement in health conditions which require treatments that involves the use of implants. World-wide, this has led to significant attention and appreciation of this versatile material, in biomedicine and obviously, in all fields of science and engineering. Examples of some of the graphene-based materials to be discussed, include: reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and graphite oxide (GO). Although, graphene-based materials are distinguishable by their individual and unique properties, nevertheless, they still have certain characteristics in common. Owing to these properties, possessed by different graphene-based materials, they are able to serve in the biomedical field as implants in order to combat a wide range of diseases that have been a challenge, previously. This chapter elaborates on some different graphenebased materials, in respect to their: structures, synthesis, properties, advantages and disadvantages and the applications of these materials as implants in biomedicine.