Solubilizer of bacterial origin surfactin increases the biological activity of C₆₀ fullerene

Currently, there exists conflicting data regarding the biological activity of unmodified fullerene C₆₀. Various sources report its toxicity, geroprotective activity, and potential interaction with DNA. Contradictory findings regarding the toxicity of C₆₀ may arise from the use of toxic solvents, as well as the influence of bioavailability and bioactivity on the preparation conditions of C₆₀ suspensions. Furthermore, the microbiota of experimental animals can impact geroprotective activity results by releasing surfactants that facilitate substance penetration through the cell membrane. In this study, we selected conditions for solubilizing fullerene C₆₀ in a solution of surfactin, a surfactant of bacterial origin, as well as in a 2% aqueous solution of TWEEN 80, employing ultrasound. Through bioluminescent analysis using lux biosensors in Escherichia coli MG1655, we observed that C₆₀ in surfactin reduced induced genotoxic and oxidative stress. Given that surfactin enhances membrane permeability to fullerene C₆₀, suspensions of fullerene in designated concentrations of surfactin can be regarded as a DNA protector and antioxidant, warranting further investigation as a promising component of novel drugs.