C₆₀@lysozyme: a new photosensitizing agent for photodynamic therapy

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Materials Science
• Photochemistry

Background:

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes light-activated compounds to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for therapeutic effects.
• Fullerenes, like C60, are known photosensitizers with potential in PDT.
• Lysozyme, a protein, can be used as a carrier to improve the solubility and delivery of hydrophobic molecules like C60.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the photodynamic properties of a C60@lysozyme hybrid.
• To evaluate the efficacy of C60@lysozyme in generating singlet oxygen and ROS under visible light.
• To assess the cytotoxic effects of C60@lysozyme on HeLa cancer cells.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of the C60@lysozyme hybrid.
• Measurement of singlet oxygen generation upon visible light irradiation.
• Assessment of reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration.
• Evaluation of HeLa cell viability using cell-based assays.

Main Results:

• C60@lysozyme demonstrated significant visible light-induced singlet oxygen generation in aqueous solution.
• The concentration of generated ROS was dependent on light source, irradiation time, and hybrid concentration.
• C60@lysozyme significantly reduced HeLa cell viability upon visible light exposure.
• Photoactivity of C60@lysozyme led to H2O2 generation, causing cell death through membrane permeation and endogenous ROS activation.

Conclusions:

• C60@lysozyme is a promising agent for photodynamic therapy due to its efficient singlet oxygen generation.
• The hybrid's photoactivity leads to ROS production and subsequent cancer cell death.
• Further research into C60@lysozyme could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.