Functionalized Fullerenes in Photodynamic Therapy

摘要: Since the discovery of C60 fullerene in 1985, scientists have been searching for biomedical applications this most fascinating molecules. The unique photophysical and photochemical properties suggested that molecule would function well as a photosensitizer photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT uses combination non-toxic dyes harmless visible light to produce reactive oxygen species kill unwanted cells. However extreme insolubility hydrophobicity pristine C60, mandated cage be functionalized with chemical groups provided water solubility biological targeting ability. It has found cationic quaternary ammonium provide both these features, review covers work on use fullerenes mediate destruction cancer cells pathogenic microorganisms vitro describes treatment tumors microbial infections mouse models. design, synthesis, simple pyrrolidinium salts, more complex decacationic chains, light-harvesting antennae can attached C70 C84 cages are covered. In case bacterial wound mice saved from certain death by fullerene-mediated PDT.