Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of diglycolamic acid functionalized graphitic carbon nitride for cisplatin delivery

This research presents the synthesis of graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) followed by its functionalization with diglycolamic acid (GCD) to enhance its role as a carrier for cisplatin in cancer treatment. Compared to GCN, which had drug content and cisplatin loading efficiencies of 26% and 13% respectively, the GCD achieved higher values of 34% and 68%. The success of the functionalization and drug conjugation process was confirmed through comprehensive characterization using techniques such as UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, DLS, SEM, EDAX, XPS, ICP-MS, and solid state 13 C NMR. In vitro drug release studies revealed that the cisplatin conjugated GCD (GCDC) compound exhibited pH-responsive behavior, maintaining prolonged retention at physiological pH and increased release of cisplatin in acidic tumor-like environments. Hemolysis and biocompatibility studies indicated that GCDC has improved hemocompatibility and reduced cytotoxicity toward fibroblast cells, while maintaining strong anticancer activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. AO/EB staining and cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that GCDC more effective in inducing controlled apoptosis than the cisplatin-bound pristine GCN (GCNC) system. These results highlight the promise of diglycolamic acid-functionalized graphitic carbon nitride as a effective and biocompatible carrier for enhanced and controlled cisplatin delivery in chemotherapy.