Interactions between modified fullerenes and proteins in cancer nanotechnology

Abstract

Fullerenes have numerous properties that fill the gap between small molecules and nanomaterials. Several types of chemical reaction allow their surface to be ornamented with functional groups designed to change them into 'ideal' nanodelivery systems. Improved stability, and bioavailability are important, but chemical modifications can render them practically soluble in water. 'Buckyball' fullerene scaffolds can interact with many biological targets and inhibit several proteins essential for tumorigeneses. Herein, we focus on the inhibitory properties of fullerene nanomaterials against essential proteins in cancer nanotechnology, as well as the use of dedicated proteins to improve the bioavailability of these promising nanomaterials.

Keywords: cancer nanotechnology; enzyme inhibitors; fullerene; nanomedicine; protein corona; protein interactions.