Graphitic Carbon Nitride Causes Widespread Global Molecular Changes in Epithelial and Fibroblast Cells

Abstract

For scaffold and imaging applications, nanomaterials such as graphene and its derivatives have been widely used. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) is among one such derivative of graphenes, which draws strong consideration due to its physicochemical properties and photocatalytic activity. To use g-C 3 N 4 for biological applications, such as molecular imaging or drug delivery, it must interact with the epithelium, cross the epithelial barrier, and then come in contact with the extracellular matrix of the fibroblast cells. Thus, it becomes essential to understand its molecular mechanism of action. Hence, in this study, to understand the molecular reprogramming associated with g-C 3 N 4 , global gene expression using DNA microarrays and proteomics using tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling and mass spectrometry were performed in epithelial and fibroblast cells, respectively. Our results showed that g-C 3 N 4 can cross the epithelial barrier by regulating the adherens junction proteins. Further, using g-C 3 N 4 –PDMS scaffolds as a mimic of the extracellular matrix for fibroblast cells, the common signaling pathways were identified between the epithelium and fibroblast cells. These pathways include Wnt signaling, integrin signaling, TGF-β signaling, cadherin signaling, oxidative stress response, ubiquitin proteasome pathway, and EGF receptor signaling pathways. These altered signature pathways identified could play a prominent role in g-C 3 N 4 -mediated cellular interactions in both epithelial and fibroblast cells. Additionally, β catenin, EGFR, and MAP2K2 protein–protein interaction networks could play a prominent role in fibroblast cell proliferation. The findings could further our knowledge on g-C 3 N 4 -mediated alterations in cellular molecular signatures, enabling the potential use of these materials for biological applications such as molecular imaging and drug delivery.

Exfoliated g-C3N4 nanoribbon functionalized green MgO NPs for dye degradation and in-vitro biological analysis

“…MgO nanoparticles are wellknown for their ability to scavenge O2• − . In the scavenger study, the concentration of the nanomaterials played a crucial role, as there is a direct relationship between the concentration of the nanomaterial and the scavenging e cacy [Amit et al 2021]. The entire process is based on a simple mechanism whereby the radicals, negatively charged due to the electron donation from the nanomaterials, and the positively charged nanoparticles are brought together by electrostatic force to form a complex formation.…”