Applications of Fullerene

Applications

Fullerenes have been widely used in a variety of biomedical applications, including the design of high-performance MRI contrast agents, X-ray imaging contrast agents, photodynamic therapy, and drug and gene delivery, summarized in several comprehensive reviews.

Cancer research

Although past cancer research has involved radiation therapy the study of photodynamic therapy is important because breakthroughs in tumor cell therapy will provide more options for patients with different conditions. Recent experiments using HeLa cells in cancer research involved developing new photosensitizers that have an enhanced ability to be taken up by cancer cells and still trigger cell death.It's also important that the new photosensitizers don't stay in the body for long periods of time, preventing unnecessary cell damage.Can make fullerenes absorbed by HeLa cells. 

By using functional groups such as L-phenylalanine, folic acid, and L-arginine, 60 derivatives can be delivered into cells.Functionalized fullerenes are designed to increase the solubility of the molecule to cancer cells.Cancer cells take up these molecules at an increased rate due to the upregulation of transporters in cancer cells, in this case amino acid transporters that introduce the L-arginine and L-phenylalanine functional groups of fullerenes.

Once taken up by cells, C

The 60 derivatives respond to light radiation by converting molecular oxygen into reactive oxygen species, triggering apoptosis in HeLa cells and other cancer cells that can absorb fullerene molecules.The research shows that an active substance can target cancer cells, which are then triggered by light radiation, thereby minimizing damage to surrounding tissue while undergoing treatment.When taken up by cancer cells and exposed to light radiation, the reaction that generates reactive oxygen species damages the DNA, proteins and lipids that make up cancer cells.This cellular damage forces cancer cells to undergo apoptosis, which leads to tumor shrinkage.Once the photoradiation treatment is complete, the fullerenes will reabsorb the free radicals to prevent other tissue damage.Since this treatment primarily targets cancer cells, it is a good option for patients whose cancer cells are within the range of light radiation.As this research continues, the treatment may penetrate deeper into the body and be absorbed more effectively by cancer cells.