Hazard characterization of graphene nanomaterials in the frame of their food risk assessment: A review

Abstract

Different applications have been suggested for graphene nanomaterials (GFNs) in the food and feed chain. However, it is necessary to perform a risk assessment before they become market-ready, and when consumer exposure is demonstrated. For this purpose, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a guidance that has been recently updated. In this sense, the aim of this study is to identify and characterise toxicological hazards related to GFNs after oral exposure. Thus, existing scientific literature in relation to in vitro degradation studies, in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity, toxicokinetics data, in vivo oral studies, and other in-depth studies such as effects on the microbiome has been revised. The obtained results showed that the investigations performed up to now did not follow internationally agreed-upon test guidelines. Moreover, GFNs seemed to resist gastrointestinal digestion and were able to be absorbed, distributed, and excreted, inducing toxic effects at different levels, including genotoxicity. Also, dose has an important role as it has been reported that low doses are more toxic than high doses because GFNs tend to aggregate in the digestive system, changing the internal exposure scenario. Thus, further studies including a thorough toxicological evaluation are required to protect consumer's safety.

Keywords: Food packaging; Graphene materials; Safety; Toxicity.