The application of this material in medicine allows for the creation of devices capable of early disease detection, such as cancer, and the design of controlled and effective drug release for treatment.
September 2023. Since its discovery in 2004 by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, graphene has been hailed as the "material of the future." This innovation has not only revolutionized material science but also had a profound impact on health and well-being at both global and community levels.
Graphene, a two-dimensional structure of carbon atoms, has shown significant potential in the medical field for early disease detection, controlled drug release, and the treatment of brain injuries.
"Thanks to graphene, ultrasensitive sensors can be developed to detect biomarkers at low levels, allowing for early detection of diseases such as cancer, which can increase survival rates by 40%. It also enables controlled drug release, improving treatment efficacy by up to 50%," says Juan Manuel Goenaga, CEO of Go To Gym Service.
Other benefits include biocompatibility, unlike other nanomaterials. Graphene has proven to be biocompatible, meaning it can interact with living tissues without causing adverse reactions. Additionally, research is being conducted on using graphene to treat brain injuries due to its electrical conductivity, which could help restore neuronal functions in damaged brain areas. Furthermore, graphene can improve the efficiency and durability of medical devices such as pacemakers and hearing aids.
Other applications include graphene in wearable devices (electronic devices worn on the human body to collect data), a technology that has transformed how people monitor and manage their health, allowing for real-time tracking, which has led 70% of users to improve their overall health; its impact is also evident in disease prevention. As Goenaga asserts, "early detection has led to a 20% decrease in mortality rates from heart diseases."
Graphene on Surfaces and Community Public Health
When applied to various surfaces, graphene can act as an antimicrobial agent, reducing the presence of bacteria and viruses. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in hospitals, clinics, and public transportation.
The CEO of Go To Gym Service states, "by coating surfaces with graphene, the spread of hospital-acquired infections, which affect 10% of hospitalized patients, can be reduced. In transportation and stations, graphene can help maintain a more hygienic environment, reducing the spread of diseases."
For Goenaga, widespread adoption of graphene in public health systems can have multiple benefits, such as personalized monitoring and a reduction in treatment and hospitalization costs by up to 20%.
"With more accessible and precise devices, personalized health monitoring can be achieved, reducing unnecessary hospital visits by 30%. By preventing diseases and detecting them early, the financial burden on treatments and hospitalizations is reduced," he adds.
Health being a fundamental pillar for the well-being of any community, it is the lower-income populations that benefit most from the application of graphene in the health sector, as more people can access medical devices. With better health monitoring, these individuals can prevent diseases, which in the long term reduces the economic burden.
Graphene is redefining health and well-being at both global and community levels. Through wearable devices, personalized well-being, chronic disease management, and its application on surfaces, humanity is entering an era where technology and health intertwine to improve longevity and quality of life, especially in under-resourced communities. The adoption of graphene has the potential to increase global life expectancy and improve the health of millions of people worldwide.
HISTORICAL DATA AND IMPORTANT DATES OF GRAPHENE
- 2004: Discovery of graphene by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov.
- 2010: Geim and Novoselov receive the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work with graphene.
- 2015: The first wearables with graphene-based sensors are introduced to the market.
