The potential biomedical platforms based on the functionalized Gd@C82 nanomaterials

Abstract

Gadolinium metallofullerene (Gd@C82), a novel star carbonaceous material, has allured considerable attention due to its attractive properties. Increasing evidence exhibits that functionalized Gd@C82 nanomaterials have great potential in various biomedical applications. Except for the earliest bioapplication as the next-generation of magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent, Gd@C82 nanomaterials perform excellent anti-cancer activities. Functionalized Gd@C82 nanomaterials could inhibit tumor growth by suppressing tumor angiogenesis, cutting off the existing tumor vasculature under radiofrequency irradiation or modulating immune cells. In addition, Gd@C82 nanomaterials could be adjuvant agents to lower the toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs and alleviate drug resistance. In particular, Gd@C82 nanomaterials are demonstrated to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, presenting superior anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus effects. With no detectable toxicity and pleiotropic biological effects, Gd@C82 nanomaterials could be promising biomedical platforms in the future.