Normally when one thinks of microbes, they don’t imagine them being able to be mechanically cut as one cuts an onion. Microbes are extremely small and we don’t have blades fine enough to get the job done.  However, researchers at Brown University have shown that the cell membrane of human cells can be cut by graphene microsheets. Graphene is a relatively new nanomaterial that is a two dimensional layer of repeating carbon and is made by exfoliating it off of chucks of graphite using special technique. Graphene has many exciting potential uses as it has remarkable electronic, mechanical, and photonic properties despite its thin nature. While it hasn’t yet been a large contributor commercially, the potential for the future is there. However, before it can be sold to the general public and hit the markets, it must be confirmed that it is safe.  Being relatively new, not much is known about how graphene might affect the body. Due to its small size, it is possible for graphene to get into the body in a variety of ways, including inhalation. Graphene may also in intentionally injected into the body to utilize its biomedical capabilities.

It isn’t currently known if graphene is toxic to human cells that it cuts. After cutting the membrane, it is possible that the entire sheet of graphene can enter the cell with some pieces being as large as ten micrometers.  What the exact effects of the graphene on the cell are the subject of current study. Since graphene is engineered by man, the idea is that anything that makes the graphene potentially toxic to human cells can also potentially be engineered out without losing the functionality of the graphene. Many new products and technologies pend on scientists’ ability to ensure graphene’s safety.