Fullerenes for Cancer Therapy and Bioimaging

Abstract

Chemical derivatives of fullerene and endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) not only keep some of the physicochemical properties of their parent molecules, but can also have water solubility and biocompatibility that are not owned by their parent molecules. These brilliant properties provide these materials potentials in biomedical applications. Here, we review the atomistic-level structural models for fullerene derivatives, and their applications as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast and cancer therapy agents. Because atomistic level structures are the base for their physicochemical properties, we first review the structural models of fullerene derivatives, which are applicable to fullerene derivatives synthesized in different conditions. Second, we review the widely explored applications of the Gd-containing EMF derivatives as the safe and efficient MRI contrast agents, thanks to their special geometries and electronic structures. Reportedly, fullerene-based materials, like Gd@C82(OH)22 nanoparticles, possess intrinsic antitumor activities. The recent advance in using fullerene derivatives for cancer therapy through different pathways, including photodynamic therapy (PDT), reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, drug delivery, adjuvant activity for cancer vaccines, and reduction of the nutrient supply to tumor cells, are further summarized. Finally, we briefly discuss the challenges and perspectives for the future biomedical applications of fullerene derivatives.