Nanobionics of Pharmacologically Active Derivatives of Fullerene C60

Abstract

The physical–chemical mechanisms of pharmacologic functioning of amino acid derivatives of fullerene C60 (ADF) have been studied. ADF were shown to penetrate through the lipid bilayer of liposomes without destruction of membrane integrity. ADF are able to carry bivalent metal ions through phospholipid bilayer owing to the formation of complexes. It was shown that stereoisomers of ADF selectively penetrate into phospholipid membranes. In contrast to D-isomers, L-isomers penetrate through the phosphatidylcholine membrane into liposome interior. Stereo-specific effect of ADF enantiomers was also observed in reaction of peroxidation of lipids. Besides that, ADF bring about a substantial increase in the catalytic activity of monoaminoxidases A and B. The directed intraprotein electron transfer was studied by creating a donor–acceptor pair in a water solution in the presence of ADF. To realize the intraprotein electron transfer, the model system was produced on the base of apomyoglobin by incorporating ADF (electron acceptor) into the heme pocket of protein instead of removed heme. It was established that the fullerene C60 and its derivatives did not produce specific anti-C60 antibodies, both IgG and IgE classes, while ADF themselves are efficient adjuvants, i.e. they increased the antibody response to poor antigens. Some ADF were found to inhibit the human immunodeficiency virus and human cytomegalovirus infection.