C60 Fullerene Derivatized Nanoparticles and their Application to Therapeutics

Abstract

Fullerenes can be formed into many new materials and devices. They have a wide range of applications in medicine, electronics, biomaterials, and energy production. An overview of the nanostructure and the physical and chemical characteristics of fullerene-drug derivatives is given. The biological behavior of fullerene derivatives shows their potential to medical application fields because C(60) is rapidly absorbed by tissues and is excreted through urinary tract and enterons, which reveals low toxicity in vitro and in vivo studies. Nanomedicine has become one of the most promising areas of nanotechnology, while many have claimed its therapeutic use against cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and neurodegenerative disorders. Water-soluble C(60) fullerene derivatives that come from chemical modification largely enhance the biological efficacy. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a physical barrier composed of endothelial tight junctions that restrict the paracellular permeability. A major challenge facing neuropharmacology is to find compounds that can be delivered into the brain through the bloodstream. Fullerene C(60) was demonstratively able to cross the BBB by hybridizing a biologically active moiety dyad, which provides a promising clue as a pharmacological therapy of neural disorders.

Contrasting effects of nanoparticle–protein attraction on amyloid aggregation

“…24–29 Many recent studies suggest that intermediate oligomers populated along the aggregation pathway rather than the final amyloid fibrils are cytotoxic. 30–32 Motivated by the possibility of NPs to cross the blood-brain-barrier, 33–36 much effort has also been devoted to understanding the effect of NPs on protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases, such as that of amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease. 23,37–45 Motivated by advancements in nanotechnology and nanomedicine, many studies have been focused on understanding the impact of NPs with various physicochemical properties on protein aggregation, in order to identify novel NPs that inhibit amyloid aggregation.…”

A zeta potential value determines the aggregate’s size of penta-substituted [60]fullerene derivatives in aqueous suspension whereas positive charge is required for toxicity against bacterial cells

“…Thirty years after discovery of the fullerenes [ 1 ], they are still a topic of interest for potential application, especially with the advent of nanobiology and nanomedicine [ 2 ]. Due to unique characteristics, modified forms of [60]fullerene have been intensively investigated for specific biological activities positioned in various fields, from diagnostics [ 3 , 4 ] to drug delivery [ 5 , 6 ].…”

NanoEHS beyond toxicity – focusing on biocorona

“…239–244 Many recent studies suggest that intermediate oligomers populated along the aggregation pathway, rather than the final amyloid fibrils, are the toxic species. 245–247 Motivated by the possibility of NPs crossing the blood-brain-barrier, 248–251 much effort has been devoted to understanding the effect of NPs on protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases, such as that of amyloid-beta peptide in Alzheimer’s disease, 122, 123, 215, 233, 252–257 islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) in type 2 diabetes, 126, 221 and beta-2 microglobulin in dialysis-associated amyloidosis. 122 Given advancements in nanotechnology and nanomedicine, many studies have also been focused on understanding the impact of ENMs on protein aggregation.…”