C(60) (buckminsterfullerene or fullerene C(60)) has been recognized an efficient free-radical scavenger. Owing to its high antioxidative capacity, C(60) and its derivatives have a great potential for application in biological systems where prevention of oxidative cell damage is desirable. However, poor solubility of native C(60) in water represents a major drawback for its use in biological systems. In order to increase the efficiency of delivery of fullerenes to target tissues it is of great interest to enhance their water solubility by developing hydrophilic organoderivatives of C(60) with retained antioxidative properties, and/or by encapsulating fullerenes in biocompatible liposomes. In the present study, using EPR spin-trapping and spin-labelling techniques, we investigated the antioxidative capacity of C(60) and newly synthesized fulleropyrrolidine derivatives Q-C(60) [N-methyl-(2-quinolyl)fulleropyrrolidine(60)] and I-C(60) [N-methyl-(2-indolyl)fulleropyrrolidine(60)] encapsulated in multilamellar phospholipid liposomes. The capacity for removal of (*)OH (hydroxyl radical) and O2(*-) (superoxide radical) and for the prevention of lipid peroxidation should be stressed as the most relevant biological antioxidative parameters. When these parameters for novel organofullerenes were compared with the the performance of C(60), Q-C(60) and I-C(60) showed similar, or even better, antioxidative characteristics. However, further research is required to establish the toxicity of these derivatives and their antioxidant efficacy in vivo.

Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) is a rare genetic syndrome with a defective DNA nucleotide excision repair. It is characterized by (i) an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV)-induced damages in the skin and eyes; (ii) high risk to develop multiple skin tumours; and (iii) neurologic alterations in the most severe form. To date, the management of XP patients consists of (i) early diagnosis; (ii) a long-life protection from ultraviolet radiation, including avoidance of unnecessary UV exposure, wearing UV blocking clothing, and use of topical sunscreens; and (iii) surgical resections of skin cancers. No curative treatment is available at present. Thus, in the last decade, in order to prevent or delay the progression of the clinical signs of XP, numerous strategies have been proposed and tested, in some cases, with adverse effects. The present review provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms featuring the development of XP and highlights both advantages and disadvantages of the clinical approaches developed throughout the years. The intention of the authors is to sensitize scientists to the crucial aspects of the pathology that could be differently targeted. In this context, the exploration of the process underlining the conception of liposomal nanocarriers is reported to focus the attention on the potentialities of liposomal technology to optimize the administration of chemoprotective agents in XP patients.