Medicinal applications of fullerenes, filled with radioactive material

Fullerenes have attracted considerable attention in different fields of science since their discovery in 1985. Investigations of physical, chemical and biological properties of fullerenes have yielded promising information. It is inferred that size, hydrophobicity, three-dimensionality and electronic configurations make them an appealing subject in medicinal chemistry. Their unique carbon cage structure coupled with immense scope for derivatization make them a potential therapeutic agent.

The study of biological applications has attracted increasing attention despite the low solubility of carbon spheres in physiological media.

Fullerene is able to fit inside the hydrophobic cavity of HIV proteases, inhibiting the access of substrates to the catalytic site of enzyme. It can be used as radical scavenger and antioxidant. At the same time, if exposed to light, fullerene can produce singlet oxygen in high quantum yields.

In 2009 scientists from Virginia Commonwealth University have developed a hands-off process for filling fullerenes with radioactive material. Fullerenes are hollow carbon molecules that can be filled with different types of metal atoms. This new finding could be utilized in medical applications, such as MRIs and diagnostic and therapeutic agents for brain tumors.

In their studies scientists use the 177Lu (lutetium) isotope. Nanobotmodels Company offer vision of 177Lu-fullerenes in drug delivery and cancer treatment. In this model C60 fullerenes, loaded with 177Lu isotope are compared with HIV viruses.

Nanobotmodels Company provides illustration of drug delivery process including various types of nanoparticles and nanomaterials. Our goal – make realistic vision of modern drug delivery technology.

http://www.nanobotmodels.com/node/54