Novel microwave assisted carboxymethyl-graphene oxide and its hepatoprotective activity

Abstract This study reports a novel, eco-friendly; fast and cost-effective microwave method for synthesizing carboxymethylated graphene oxide (CMGO) from sugarcane residues. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed successful CMGO synthesis through the presence of characteristic peaks at 1567.93 and 1639.29 cm−1 (COONa vibrations) and increased CH2 intensity compared to unmodified graphene oxide (GO). Furthermore, CMGO derived from sugarcane residues demonstrated potential in mitigating the side effects of toxic materials like carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Treatment with CMGO partially reduced elevated levels of liver enzymes (ALT and AST) and nitrogenous waste products (urea and uric acid) in CCl4-induced liver damage models, suggesting an improvement in liver function despite ongoing cellular damage.This work paves the way for a sustainable and economical approach to produce functionalized graphene oxide with promising biomedical applications in alleviating toxin-induced liver injury. Graphical abstract