Mechanisms of Antioxidant Activities of Fullerenols from First-Principles Calculation

Reaction Mechanisms and Kinetics of Nanozymes: Insights from Theory and Computation

"Nanozymes" usually refers to inorganic nanomaterials with enzyme-like catalytic activities. The research into nanozymes is one of the hot topics on the horizon of interdisciplinary science involving materials, chemistry, and biology. Although great progress has been made in the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of nanozymes, the study of the underlying microscopic mechanisms and kinetics is still not straightforward. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations compute the potential energy surfaces along the reaction coordinates for chemical reactions, which can give atomistic-level insights into the micro-mechanisms and kinetics for nanozymes. Therefore, DFT calculations have been playing an increasingly important role in exploring the mechanisms and kinetics for nanozymes in the past years. The calculations either predict the microscopic details for the catalytic processes to complement the experiments or further develop theoretical models to depict the physicochemical rules. In this review, the corresponding research progress is summarized. Particularly, the review focuses on the computational studies that closely interplay with the experiments. The relevant experimental results without DFT calculations will be also briefly discussed to offer a historic overview of how the computations promote the understanding of the microscopic mechanisms and kinetics of nanozymes.

Role of the Solvent and Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonds in the Antioxidative Mechanism of Prenylisoflavone from Leaves of Vatairea guianensis

This work discusses the electron structure, antioxidative properties, and solvent contribution of two new antioxidant molecules discovered, named S10 and S11, extracted from a medicinal plant called Vatairea guianensis, found in the Amazon rain-forest. To gain a better understanding, a study using density functional theory coupled with the polarizable-continuum model and the standard 6-311++G(d,p) basis set was conducted. The results indicate that S10 has a higher antioxidant potential than S11, confirming the experimental expectations. In the gas phase, the hydrogen atom transfer route dominates the hydrogen scavenging procedure. However, in the water solvents, the antioxidant mechanism prefers the sequential proton loss electron transfer mechanism. Furthermore, the solvent plays a fundamental role in the antioxidant mechanism. The formation of an intramolecular OH···OCH3 hydrogen bond is crucial for accurately describing the hydrogen scavenging phenomenon, better aligning with the experimental data. The results suggest that the two isoflavones investigated are promising for the pharmacologic and food industries.

Topically applied fullerenols protect against radiation dermatitis by scavenging reactive oxygen species

Adverse skin reactions caused by ionizing radiation are collectively called radiation dermatitis (RD), and the use of nanomedicine is an attractive approach to this condition. Therefore, we designed and large-scale synthesized fullerenols that showed free radical scavenging ability in vitro. Next, we pretreated X-ray-exposed cells with fullerenols. The results showed that pretreatment with fullerenols significantly scavenged intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced and enhanced the antioxidant capacity, protecting skin cells from X-ray-induced DNA damage and apoptosis. Moreover, we induced RD in mice by applying 30 Gy of X-ray irradiation, followed by treatment with fullerenols. We found that after treatment, the RD scores dropped, and the histological results systematically demonstrated that topically applied fullerenols could reduce radiation-induced skin epidermal thickening, collagen deposition and skin appendage damage and promote hair regeneration after 35 days. Compared with Trolamine cream, a typical RD drug, fullerenols showed superior radiation protection. Overall, the in vitro and in vivo experiments proved that fullerenols agents against RD.

Structure and Vibrational Spectroscopy of C82 Fullerenol Valent Isomers: An Experimental and Theoretical Joint Study

Gd@C₈₂O_xH_y endohedral complexes for advanced biomedical applications (computer tomography, cancer treatment, etc.) were synthesized using high-frequency arc plasma discharge through a mixture of graphite and Gd₂O₃ oxide. The Gd@C₈₂ endohedral complex was isolated by high-efficiency liquid chromatography and consequently oxidized with the formation of a family of Gd endohedral fullerenols with gross formula Gd@C₈₂O₈(OH)₂₀. Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to study the structure and spectroscopic properties of the complexes in combination with the DFTB3 electronic structure calculations and infrared spectra simulations. It was shown that the main IR spectral features are formed by a fullerenole C₈₂ cage that allows one to consider the force constants at the DFTB3 level of theory without consideration of gadolinium endohedral ions inside the carbon cage. Based on the comparison of experimental FTIR and theoretical DFTB3 IR spectra, it was found that oxidation of the C₈₂ cage causes the formation of Gd@C₈₂O₂₈H₂₀, with a breakdown of the integrity of the parent C₈₂ cage with the formation of pores between neighboring carbonyl and carboxyl groups. The Gd@C₈₂O₆(OOH)₂(OH)₁₈ endohedral complex with epoxy, carbonyl and carboxyl groups was considered the most reliable fullerenole structural model.

Physiological Response, Oxidative Stress Assessment and Aquaporin Genes Expression of Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Exposed to Hyper-Harmonized Fullerene Water Complex

The rapid production and numerous applications of nanomaterials warrant the necessity and importance of examining nanoparticles in terms to their environmental and biological effects and implications. In this study, the effects of a water-soluble hyper-harmonized hydroxyl-modified fullerene (3HFWC) on cherry tomato seed germination, seedlings growth, physiological response and fruiting was evaluated. Changes in the photosynthetic pigments content, oxidative stress assessment, and aquaporin genes expression in cherry tomato plants were studied after during short- and long-term continuous exposure to 3HFWC nanosubstance (200 mg/L). Increased levels of photosynthetic pigments in leaves, lycopene in fruits, decreased levels of hydrogen peroxide content, activation of cellular antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase and increased aquaporin gene expression (PIP1;3, PIP1;5 and PIP2;4) were observed in 3HFWC nanosubstance-exposed plants in comparison to control, untreated cherry tomato plants. The 3HFWC nanosubstance showed positive effects on cherry tomato seed germination, plantlet growth and lycopene content in fruits and may be considered as a promising nanofertilizer.

Metallofullerenols in biomedical applications

Metallofullerenols (MFs) are functionalized endohedral fullerenes connecting at least three levels of organization of matter: atomic, molecular, and supramolecular, resulting in their unique activity at the nanoscale. Biomedical applications of MFs started from gadolinium-containing contrasting agents, but today their potential medical applications go far beyond diagnostics and magnetic resonance imaging. In many cases, preclinical studies have shown a great therapeutic value of MFs, and here we provide an overview of interactions of MFs with high-energy radiation and with reactive oxygen species generated during radiation as a ground for potential applications in modern therapy of cancer patients. We also present the current knowledge on interactions of MFs with proteins and with other components of cells and tissues. Due to their antioxidant properties, as well as their ability to regulate the expression of genes involved in apoptosis, angiogenesis, and stimulation of the immune response, MFs can contribute to inhibition of tumor growth and protection of normal cells. MFs with enclosed gadolinium act as inhibitors of tumor growth in targeted therapy along with imaging techniques, but we hope that the data gathered in this review will help to accelerate further progress in the implementation of MFs, also the ones containing rare earth metals other than gadolinium, in a broad range of bioapplications covering not only diagnostics and bioimaging but also radiation therapy and cancer treatment by not-cytotoxic agents.

Endohedral Gd-Containing Fullerenol: Toxicity, Antioxidant Activity, and Regulation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Cellular and Enzymatic Systems

The Gd-containing metallofullerene derivatives are perspective magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. We studied the bioeffects of a water-soluble fullerene derivative, gadolinium-endohedral fullerenol, with 40−42 oxygen groups (Gd@Fln). Bioluminescent cellular and enzymatic assays were applied to monitor toxicity and antioxidant activity of Gd@Fln in model solutions; bioluminescence was applied as a signaling physiological parameter. The Gd@Fln inhibited bioluminescence at high concentrations (>2·10−1 gL−1), revealing lower toxicity as compared to the previously studied fullerenols. Efficient activation of bioluminescence (up to almost 100%) and consumption of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in bacterial suspension were observed under low-concentration exposure to Gd@Fln (10−3−2·10−1 gL−1). Antioxidant capability of Gd@Fln was studied under conditions of model oxidative stress (i.e., solutions of model organic and inorganic oxidizers); antioxidant coefficients of Gd@Fln were determined at different concentrations and times of exposure. Contents of ROS were evaluated and correlations with toxicity/antioxidant coefficients were determined. The bioeffects of Gd@Fln were explained by hydrophobic interactions, electron affinity, and disturbing of ROS balance in the bioluminescence systems. The results contribute to understanding the molecular mechanism of “hormetic” cellular responses. Advantages of the bioluminescence assays to compare bioeffects of fullerenols based on their structural characteristics were demonstrated.

Current Trends in Computational Quantum Chemistry Studies on Antioxidant Radical Scavenging Activity

The antioxidative nature of chemicals is now routinely studied using computational quantum chemistry. Scientists are constantly proposing new approaches to investigate those methods, and the subject is evolving at a rapid pace. The goal of this review is to collect, consolidate, and present current trends in a clear, methodical, and reference-rich manner. This paper is divided into several sections, each of which corresponds to a different stage of elaborations: preliminary concerns, electronic structure analysis, and general reactivity (thermochemistry and kinetics). The sections are further subdivided based on methodologies used. Concluding remarks and future perspectives are presented based on the remaining elements.

Carbon dots as nanocatalytic medicine for anti-inflammation therapy

Aberrant reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is one of the crucial mediators in the pathogenesis of inflammation. So, the development of nanocatalytic medicine to catalyze the ROS-scavenging reactions in pathological regions are promising for anti-inflammatory therapy. Herein, a type of biocompatible metal free carbon dots is prepared via a hydrothermal method which can exhibit peroxidase (POD)-like, catalase (CAT)-like and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activities. It has been found that the carbon dots have the capability to efficiently deplete the excessive ROS such as peroxide (H₂O₂)_, superoxide anion (O₂^-) and hydroxyl radical (OH) for their abundant functional groups. After the tail injection in mice with liver inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide, the carbon dots efficiently reduced the excessive production of ROS and proinflammatory cytokines in vitro. Both in vitro and in vivo results endowed the biocompatible carbon dots with great potential in nanocatalytic medicine for the treatment of disease.

Synthesis, Mass Spectroscopy Detection, and Density Functional Theory Investigations of the Gd Endohedral Complexes of C82 Fullerenols

Gd endohedral complexes of C82 fullerenols were synthesized and mass spectrometry analysis of their composition was carried out. It was established that the synthesis yields a series of fullerenols Gd@C82Ox(OH)y (x = 0, 3; y = 8, 16, 24, 36, 44). The atomic and electronic structure and properties of the synthesized fullerenols were investigated using the density functional theory calculations. It was shown that the presence of endohedral gadolinium increases the reactivity of fullerenols. It is proposed that the high-spin endohedral fullerenols are promising candidates for application in magnetic resonance imaging.

The protective effect of hydroxylated fullerene pretreatment on pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus

Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency. The pathological hallmark of neuronal damage after epileptic seizures could be the chain reaction of oxygen free radicals. Hydroxylated fullerenes (HFs) are novel and effective free radical scavengers, which play an important role in various neurological diseases. However, whether they have a protective effect against epileptic seizures remains elusive. Our study explores the effect of pretreatment with HFs in different doses (0.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) on SEmodels induced by pilocarpine (PILO). The results suggest that HFs have a protective effect on SE in a dose-dependent manner. HFs significantly reduce the incidence of SE, prolong the latency to SE, reduce the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and increase the glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. In addition, HFs significantly raise the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and reduce the expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). We found that expressions of nuclear NF-E2-related factor 2 (nNrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADPH: quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) were upregulated 24 h after the onset of SE, but the increase was not enough to combat oxidative stress damage, nor to attenuate lipid peroxidation and apoptosis. The expressions of these proteins in HFs pretreatment groups increased more significantly than those in the epilepsy (EP) group, which effectively reduced lipid peroxidation and apoptosis in the hippocampus. In summary, these findings highlight that HFs pretreatment has a protective effect against PILO-induced SE in rats. It may relieve oxidative stress damage by activating the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway. It provides evidence that fullerene derivatives may have therapeutic potential for epileptic seizures.

Carbonaceous Nanomaterials-Mediated Defense Against Oxidative Stress

The concept of nanoscale materials and their applications in industrial technologies, consumer goods, as well as in novel medical therapies has rapidly escalated in the last several years. Consequently, there is a critical need to understand the mechanisms that drive nanomaterials biocompatibility or toxicity to human cells and tissues. The ability of nanomaterials to initiate cellular pathways resulting in oxidative stress has emerged as a leading hypothesis in nanotoxicology. Nevertheless, there are a few examples revealing another face of nanomaterials - they can alleviate oxidative stress via decreasing the level of reactive oxygen species. The fundamental structural and physicochemical properties of carbonaceous nanomaterials that govern these anti-oxidative effects are discussed in this article. The signaling pathways influenced by these unique nanomaterials, as well as examples of their applications in the biomedical field, e.g. cell culture, cell-based therapies or drug delivery, are presented. We anticipate this emerging knowledge of intrinsic anti-oxidative properties of carbon nanomaterials to facilitate the use of tailored nanoparticles in vivo.

Antioxidant activity of highly hydroxylated fullerene C60 and its interactions with the analogue of α-tocopherol

Polyhydroxylated fullerenes (fullerenols) are excellent free radical scavengers. Despite the large number of reports on their reactions with reactive oxygen species, there is no report on their ability to trap lipid peroxyl radicals and act as chain-breaking antioxidants. In this work we studied the effect of fullerenol C₆₀(OH)₃₆ on the kinetics of peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acid ester (methyl linoleate) dispersed in two model systems that mimic biological systems: Triton X-100 micelles and Large Unilamellar Vesicles, at pH 4, 7 and 10. As a control antioxidant 2,2,5,7,8-pentamethyl-6-hydroxychroman (PMHC, an analog of α-tocopherol) was used. In micellar systems at pH 4.0, C₆₀(OH)₃₆ reacts with peroxyl radicals with k_inh= (5.8 ± 0.3) × 10³ M^-1s^-1 (for PMHC k_inh = 22 × 10³ M^-1s^-1). Surprisingly, at pH 7 a retardation instead of inhibition was recorded, and at pH 10 no effect on the kinetics of the process was observed. In liposomal systems fullerenol was not active at pH 4.0 but at pH 7.0 k_inh = (8.8 ± 2.6) × 10³ M^-1s^-1 for fullerenol was 30% lower than k_inh for PMHC. Using two fluorescent probes we confirmed that at pH 7.4 fullerenol/fullerenol anions are incorporated into the phospholipid heads of the bilayer. We also studied the cooperation of C₆₀(OH)₃₆ with PMHC: both compounds seem to contribute their peroxyl radical trapping abilities independently at pH 4 whereas at pH 7 and 10 a hyper-synergy was observed. The antioxidant action of C₆₀(OH)₃₆ and its synergy with PMHC was also confirmed for peroxidation of human erythrocytes at pH 7.4. Assuming the simplified structural model of fullerenol limited to 36 hydroxyls as the only functional groups attached to C₆₀ core we found by density-functional theory a low energy structure with OH groups distributed in the form of two polyhydroxyl regions separating two unsubstituted carbon regions with biphenyl-like structure. Our calculations indicate that abstraction of hydrogen atom from fullerenol by peroxyl or tocopheroxyl radical is endoergic. As the electron transfer from fullerenol polyanion to the radicals is also energetically disfavoured, the most probable mechanism of reaction with radicals is subsequent addition of peroxyl/tocopheroxyl radicals to biphenyl moieties surrounded by OH groups.

Theoretical elucidation of the energy conversion rate in organic photovoltaic cells of the fullerene nanostructure derivatives. A density functional theory study

A comparative theoretical study of the kinetics of the Diels–Alder (DA) reaction between empty fullerene (C[Formula: see text]) and lithium ion encapsulated fullerene ([Formula: see text]) with 1,3 cyclohexadiene (C[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]) was carried out. This reaction takes place in a photovoltaic cell. The effect of the encapsulated [Formula: see text] ion on the conversion rate of solar energy into electricity has been highlighted through calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT). In addition, a static study using the global conceptual DFT indices, as part of the demonstration of the significant electrophilic power of the fullerene nanostructure, was carried out to show the effect of encapsulating the [Formula: see text] ion in this nanoparticle on the electrophilic power of Li[Formula: see text]@C[Formula: see text] and therefore on the acceleration of the reaction. The relationship between the HOMOdonor–LUMOacceptor energy difference and the DA reaction acceleration, and therefore the acceleration of light conversion (a rapid conversion implies a small gap), has been thoroughly examined. Moreover, a mechanistic study of the kinetics of the DA reaction of the fullerene involved in an organic photovoltaic cell has been carried out. In this section, a concerted synchronous mechanism with no effect of [Formula: see text] encapsulation on the synchronicity of the reaction was observed. Finally, it was revealed that Li[Formula: see text]@C[Formula: see text] reacted approximately 2466 times faster than C[Formula: see text]. Moreover, the experimental results were found in good agreement with the computer calculations.

Effects of Functionalized Fullerenes on ROS Homeostasis Determine Their Cytoprotective or Cytotoxic Properties

BACKGROUND

Functionalized fullerenes (FF) can be considered regulators of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis; their direct oxidative damage-as well as regulation of oxidant enzymes and signaling pathways-should be considered.

METHODS

Uptake of two water-soluble functionalized C₇₀ fullerenes with different types of aromatic addends (ethylphenylmalonate and thienylacetate) in human fetal lung fibroblasts, intracellular ROS visualization, superoxide scavenging potential, NOX4 expression, NRF2 expression, oxidative DNA damage, repair genes, cell proliferation and cell cycle were studied.

RESULTS & CONCLUSION

The intracellular effects of ethylphenylmalonate C₇₀ derivative (FF1) can be explained in terms of upregulated NOX4 activity. The intracellular effects of thienylacetate C₇₀ derivative (FF2) can be probably resulted from its superoxide scavenging potential and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. FF1 can be considered a NOX4 upregulator and potential cytotoxicant and FF2, as a superoxide scavenger and a potential cytoprotector.

A Multiparametric Study of Internalization of Fullerenol C60(OH)36 Nanoparticles into Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: Cytotoxicity in Oxidative Stress Induced by Ionizing Radiation

The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake and accumulation of fullerenol C₆₀(OH)₃₆ into peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Some additional studies were also performed: measurement of fullerenol nanoparticle size, zeta potential, and the influence of fullerenol on the ionizing radiation-induced damage to PMBCs. Fullerenol C₆₀(OH)₃₆ demonstrated an ability to accumulate in PBMCs. The accumulation of fullerenol in those cells did not have a significant effect on cell survival, nor on the distribution of phosphatidylserine in the plasma membrane. However, fullerenol-induced depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane proportional to the compound level in the medium was observed. Results also indicated that increased fullerenol level in the medium was associated with its enhanced transport into cells, corresponding to its influence on the mitochondrial membrane. The obtained results clearly showed the ability of C₆₀(OH)₃₆ to enter cells and its effect on PBMC mitochondrial membrane potential. However, we did not observe radioprotective properties of fullerenol under the conditions used in our study.

Functional Metallofullerene Materials and Their Applications in Nanomedicine, Magnetics, and Electronics

Endohedral metallofullerenes exhibit combined properties from carbon cages as well as internal metal moieties and have great potential in a wide range of applications as molecule materials. Along with the breakthrough of mass production of metallofullerenes, their applied research has been greatly developed with more and more new functions and practical applications. For gadolinium metallofullerenes, their water-soluble derivatives have been demonstrated with antitumor activity and unprecedented tumor vascular-targeting therapy. Metallofullerene water-soluble derivatives also can be applied to treat reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced diseases due to their high antioxidative activity. For magnetic metallofullerenes, the internal electron spin and metal species bring about spin sensitivity, molecular magnets, and spin quantum qubits, which have many promising applications. Metallofullerenes are significant candidates for fabricating useful electronic devices because of their various electronic structures. This Review provides a summary of the metallofullerene studies reported recently, in the fields of tumor inhibition, tumor vascular-targeting therapies, antioxidative activity, spin probes, single-molecule magnets, spin qubits, and electronic devices. This is not an exhaustive summary and there are many other important study results regarding metallofullerenes. All of this research has revealed the irreplaceable role of metallofullerene materials.