Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. In stages III and IV of CKD, uremic toxins must be removed from the patient by absorption, through a treatment commonly called hemodialysis. Aiming to improve the absorption of uremic toxins, we have studied its absorption in chemically modified graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). This study involved the reaction between GNPs and diamines with reaction times of 30, 45 and 60 min using ultrasound waves of different amplitudes and frequencies. Functionalized GNPs were analyzed by Fourier Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersitive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The analysis of the functional groups confirmed the presence of amide and hydroxyl groups on the surface of the GNPs by reactions of diamines with carboxylic acids and epoxides. Adsorption of uremic toxins was determined using equilibrium isotherms, where the maximum percentage of removal of uremic toxins was 97%. Dispersion of modified graphene nanoplatelets was evaluated in water, ethanol and hexane, as a result of this treatment was achieved a good and effective dispersion of diamines-modified graphene nanoplatelets in ethanol and hexane. Finally, the results of hemolysis assays of the modified graphene with amine demonstrated that it was not cytotoxic when using 500 mg/mL. The samples of modified graphene demonstrated low degree of hemolysis (<2%), so this material can be used for in vivo applications such as hemodialysis.
Highlights
A common health problem in different countries is chronic kidney disease (CKD), which has an increasing incidence and prevalence, and high cost of treatment
The main issue is that kidneys do not fulfill their function of purifying the blood. This illness leads to the accumulation of toxic molecules that are normally eliminated by healthy kidneys. These toxic molecules are known as uremic toxins, among which are uric acid, urea and creatinine, which are insoluble in water, and their removal is difficult due to their low molecular weight
We report the modification of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) with a mixture of 1,4-diaminobutane dihydrochloride and 1,3-diaminopropane by ultrasonic waves of different amplitudes and frequencies in aqueous medium, for their application in the adsorption of uremic toxins
Summary
A common health problem in different countries is chronic kidney disease (CKD), which has an increasing incidence and prevalence, and high cost of treatment. GNPs are a low-cost alternative in comparison to graphene nanosheets or monolayer graphene, since the latter have higher prices Their theoretical high specific surface area (2630 m2/g), compared to that of carbon nanotubes (1315 m2/g), makes GNPs an attractive candidate for adsorption applications [7,8]. Ultrasound energy produces cavitation and shear forces, which could generate high pressure and immense heat in a specific area in a very short period of time; we are talking around 500 atm and 5000 ◦C [22] Another advantage of the sonication process is that it helps to deagglomerate nano-sized particles, exposing the whole surface area where there may be a chemical interaction [23]. The presence of amino groups on the surface of GNPs should favor the adsorption of uremic toxins
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