Amplifying anticancer and DNA fragmentation activities through surface-functionalization of nanorods-like graphitic carbon nitride sheets

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) has emerged as a promising material for biomedical applications due to its photochemical properties, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. However, its limited surface functionality has restricted its ability to efficiently bind metal ions, such as Cu²⁺, which are crucial for various biological processes. This study aims to improve the Cu²⁺ ion binding affinity of g-CN nanorods like sheets (NRSs) by introducing oxygen functional groups through oxidation. The enhanced surface functionality of f-g-CN NRSs has facilitated the formation of stable complexes with Cu²⁺ ions. These Cu²⁺-present in the f-g-CN NRSs has exhibited significantly high anti-cancer activity compared to unmodified g-CN NRSs. This enhancement has increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and DNA cleavage capabilities. The particular coordination between Cu²⁺ ions and the phosphate/amine groups of DNA is crucial for the enzymatic breakdown of DNA, facilitated by the presence of these functional groups. These findings have highlighted the potential of oxidized g-CN NRSs as a promising platform for the development of novel cancer therapies and for further investigations into DNA damage mechanisms.