Photodynamic Applications of Fullerene-Based Nanocomplexes
Summary
Fullerene-based nanocomplexes have become a focal point in photodynamic therapy research owing to their unique carbon-cage structures and strong triplet-state yields. By conjugating fullerenes with hydrophilic polymers, sugars or targeting ligands, researchers have surmounted long-standing solubility challenges, enabling aqueous dispersion and precise tumour or microbial targeting. Upon light activation, these constructs transfer energy to molecular oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species, inducing selective cytotoxicity while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. Advances in two-photon excitation and near-infrared activation have further deepened tissue penetration, broadening clinical prospects from oncological interventions to antimicrobial applications.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Recent studies have explored water-soluble glycofullerenes as non-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. These spherical carbon nanomaterials were engineered to display sugar moieties, enhancing aqueous dispersibility and selective binding to Src family kinases. In cellular assays, these constructs demonstrated low micromolar inhibition of Fyn A and BTK without overt cytotoxicity or cell-cycle disruption. The formation of a protein corona on the fullerene surface further tuned biological interactions, suggesting a dual role in enzyme inhibition and potential photodynamic activation for combined therapeutic strategies.
Photodynamic Applications of Fullerene-Based Nanocomplexes publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in photodynamic applications of fullerene-based nanocomplexes across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Fullerene: A hollow, cage-like carbon allotrope commonly composed of 60 carbon atoms, used as a scaffold in photodynamic applications.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT): A treatment that employs light-activated photosensitisers to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species for targeted tissue damage.
Photosensitiser: A molecule that absorbs specific wavelengths of light and transfers energy to surrounding oxygen to form reactive oxygen species.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Short-lived, highly reactive molecules such as singlet oxygen and superoxide that mediate photodynamic cytotoxic effects.
Nanocomplex: A nanoscale assembly combining fullerenes with polymers, drugs or other agents to enhance solubility, targeting and therapeutic functionality.
References
- Highly aqueously stable C60‐polymer nanoparticles with excellent photodynamic property for potential cancer treatment. Smart Medicine (2023).
- Glycofullerenes as non-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors- towards better nanotherapeutics for pancreatic cancer treatment. Scientific Reports (2020).
- Bacterial elimination via the photodynamic activity of a fullerene/light-harvesting antenna molecule assembled system integrated into liposome membranes. Nanoscale Advances (2020).
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