An evaluation of the effect of graphene oxide on Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Graphene oxide (GO) has a wide range of applications. It has been identified to have significant potential for important biomedical and biochemical uses. Graphene and its derivatives are known to elicit toxic effects. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a versatile yeast of importance with several uses, one of which is its application as a human probiotic. The interaction of GO with living systems is of interest and relevance. The effect of GO on the yeast S.cerevisiae was investigated. The yeast cell line was cultured in a liquid media composed of Yeast Peptose Dextrose and incubated at room temperature (25°C) for 72 h. Antibody RAD 17 was labelled with fluorescent dye fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) to detect cell structure change. 500, 750, 1000 and 1250 μg/ml GO aliquots were prepared from a stock solution and 96 microplate wells of S. cerevisiae were treated with various doses of GO for 24, 48 and 72 h. Microscopic analysis on treated yeast showed no apparent effect on the cell after exposure to GO.