1
|
Chang X, Xu Y, von Delius M. Recent advances in supramolecular fullerene chemistry. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:47-83. [PMID: 37853792 PMCID: PMC10759306 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00937d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Fullerene chemistry has come a long way since 1990, when the first bulk production of C60 was reported. In the past decade, progress in supramolecular chemistry has opened some remarkable and previously unexpected opportunities regarding the selective (multiple) functionalization of fullerenes and their (self)assembly into larger structures and frameworks. The purpose of this review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of these recent developments. We describe how macrocycles and cages that bind strongly to C60 can be used to block undesired addition patterns and thus allow the selective preparation of single-isomer addition products. We also discuss how the emergence of highly shape-persistent macrocycles has opened opportunities for the study of photoactive fullerene dyads and triads as well as the preparation of mechanically interlocked compounds. The preparation of two- or three-dimensional fullerene materials is another research area that has seen remarkable progress over the past few years. Due to the rapidly decreasing price of C60 and C70, we believe that these achievements will translate into all fields where fullerenes have traditionally (third-generation solar cells) and more recently been applied (catalysis, spintronics).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingmao Chang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Ulm University, Ulm 89081, Germany.
| | - Youzhi Xu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Max von Delius
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Ulm University, Ulm 89081, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Petrosino A, Saporetti R, Starinieri F, Sarti E, Ulfo L, Boselli L, Cantelli A, Morini A, Zadran SK, Zuccheri G, Pasquini Z, Di Giosia M, Prodi L, Pompa PP, Costantini PE, Calvaresi M, Danielli A. A modular phage vector platform for targeted photodynamic therapy of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. iScience 2023; 26:108032. [PMID: 37822492 PMCID: PMC10563061 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing antibiotic resistance has encouraged the revival of phage-inspired antimicrobial approaches. On the other hand, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is considered a very promising research domain for the protection against infectious diseases. Yet, very few efforts have been made to combine the advantages of both approaches in a modular, retargetable platform. Here, we foster the M13 bacteriophage as a multifunctional scaffold, enabling the selective photodynamic killing of bacteria. We took advantage of the well-defined molecular biology of M13 to functionalize its capsid with hundreds of photo-activable Rose Bengal sensitizers and contemporarily target this light-triggerable nanobot to specific bacterial species by phage display of peptide targeting moieties fused to the minor coat protein pIII of the phage. Upon light irradiation of the specimen, the targeted killing of diverse Gram(-) pathogens occurred at subnanomolar concentrations of the phage vector. Our findings contribute to the development of antimicrobials based on targeted and triggerable phage-based nanobiotherapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annapaola Petrosino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Saporetti
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician” – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Starinieri
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Edoardo Sarti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Ulfo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Boselli
- Nanobiointeractions and Nanodiagnostics Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Cantelli
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza" Unit of Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Morini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Suleman Khan Zadran
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Zuccheri
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- CIRI SDV – Centro Interdipartimentale Scienze della Vita - Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E - 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Zeno Pasquini
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician” – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Prodi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician” – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- CIRI SDV – Centro Interdipartimentale Scienze della Vita - Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E - 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Pompa
- Nanobiointeractions and Nanodiagnostics Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Emidio Costantini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician” – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- CIRI SDV – Centro Interdipartimentale Scienze della Vita - Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E - 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Alberto Danielli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FaBiT) – Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- CIRI SDV – Centro Interdipartimentale Scienze della Vita - Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E - 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Marforio TD, Carboni A, Calvaresi M. In Vivo Application of Carboranes for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT): Structure, Formulation and Analytical Methods for Detection. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4944. [PMID: 37894311 PMCID: PMC10605826 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Carboranes have emerged as one of the most promising boron agents in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). In this context, in vivo studies are particularly relevant, since they provide qualitative and quantitative information about the biodistribution of these molecules, which is of the utmost importance to determine the efficacy of BNCT, defining their localization and (bio)accumulation, as well as their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. First, we gathered a detailed list of the carboranes used for in vivo studies, considering the synthesis of carborane derivatives or the use of delivery system such as liposomes, micelles and nanoparticles. Then, the formulation employed and the cancer model used in each of these studies were identified. Finally, we examined the analytical aspects concerning carborane detection, identifying the main methodologies applied in the literature for ex vivo and in vivo analysis. The present work aims to identify the current strengths and weakness of the use of carboranes in BNCT, establishing the bottlenecks and the best strategies for future applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Carboni
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Serda M, Korzuch J, Dreszer D, Krzykawska-Serda M, Musioł R. Interactions between modified fullerenes and proteins in cancer nanotechnology. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103704. [PMID: 37453461 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Serda
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Julia Korzuch
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Dominik Dreszer
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Robert Musioł
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Identification of Blood Transport Proteins to Carry Temoporfin: A Domino Approach from Virtual Screening to Synthesis and In Vitro PDT Testing. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030919. [PMID: 36986780 PMCID: PMC10056000 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Temoporfin (mTHPC) is one of the most promising photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Despite its clinical use, the lipophilic character of mTHPC still hampers the full exploitation of its potential. Low solubility in water, high tendency to aggregate, and low biocompatibility are the main limitations because they cause poor stability in physiological environments, dark toxicity, and ultimately reduce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Applying a reverse docking approach, here, we identified a number of blood transport proteins able to bind and disperse monomolecularly mTHPC, namely apohemoglobin, apomyoglobin, hemopexin, and afamin. We validated the computational results synthesizing the mTHPC-apomyoglobin complex (mTHPC@apoMb) and demonstrated that the protein monodisperses mTHPC in a physiological environment. The mTHPC@apoMb complex preserves the imaging properties of the molecule and improves its ability to produce ROS via both type I and type II mechanisms. The effectiveness of photodynamic treatment using the mTHPC@apoMb complex was then demonstrated in vitro. Blood transport proteins can be used as molecular “Trojan horses” in cancer cells by conferring mTHPC (i) water solubility, (ii) monodispersity, and (iii) biocompatibility, ultimately bypassing the current limitations of mTHPC.
Collapse
|
6
|
Dissecting the Interactions between Chlorin e6 and Human Serum Albumin. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052348. [PMID: 36903592 PMCID: PMC10005744 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlorin e6 (Ce6) is among the most used sensitizers in photodynamic (PDT) and sonodynamic (SDT) therapy; its low solubility in water, however, hampers its clinical exploitation. Ce6 has a strong tendency to aggregate in physiological environments, reducing its performance as a photo/sono-sensitizer, as well as yielding poor pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. The interaction of Ce6 with human serum albumin (HSA) (i) governs its biodistribution and (ii) can be used to improve its water solubility by encapsulation. Here, using ensemble docking and microsecond molecular dynamics simulations, we identified the two Ce6 binding pockets in HSA, i.e., the Sudlow I site and the heme binding pocket, providing an atomistic description of the binding. Comparing the photophysical and photosensitizing properties of Ce6@HSA with respect to the same properties regarding the free Ce6, it was observed that (i) a red-shift occurred in both the absorption and emission spectra, (ii) a maintaining of the fluorescence quantum yield and an increase of the excited state lifetime was detected, and (iii) a switch from the type II to the type I mechanism in a reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, upon irradiation, took place.
Collapse
|
7
|
Yamashita M, Kawakami N, Miyamoto K. Hydrophobization of a TIP60 Protein Nanocage for the Encapsulation of Hydrophobic Compounds. Chempluschem 2023; 88:e202200392. [PMID: 36775805 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202200392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Encapsulation of hydrophobic molecules in protein-based nanocages is a promising approach for dispersing these molecules in water. Here, we report a chemical modification approach to produce a protein nanocage with a hydrophobic interior surface based on our previously developed nanocage, TIP60. The large pores of TIP60 act as tunnels for small molecules, allowing modification of the interior surface by hydrophobic compounds without nanocage disassembly. We used four different hydrophobic compounds for modification. The largest modification group tested, pyrene, resulted in a modified TIP60 that could encapsulate aromatic photosensitizer zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPC) more efficiently than the other modification compounds. The encapsulated ZnPC generated singlet oxygen upon light activation in the aqueous phase, whereas ZnPC alone formed inert aggregates under the same experimental conditions. Given that chemical modification allows a wider diversity of modifications than mutagenesis, this approach could be used to develop more suitable nanocages for encapsulating hydrophobic molecules of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maika Yamashita
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223- 8522, Japan
| | - Norifumi Kawakami
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223- 8522, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyamoto
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223- 8522, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mattioli EJ, Ulfo L, Marconi A, Pellicioni V, Costantini PE, Marforio TD, Di Giosia M, Danielli A, Fimognari C, Turrini E, Calvaresi M. Carrying Temoporfin with Human Serum Albumin: A New Perspective for Photodynamic Application in Head and Neck Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010068. [PMID: 36671454 PMCID: PMC9855801 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Temoporfin (mTHPC) is approved in Europe for the photodynamic treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Although it has a promising profile, its lipophilic character hampers the full exploitation of its potential due to high tendency of aggregation and a reduced ROS generation that compromise photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy. Moreover, for its clinical administration, mTHPC requires the presence of ethanol and propylene glycol as solvents, often causing adverse effects in the site of injection. In this paper we explored the efficiency of a new mTHPC formulation that uses human serum albumin (HSA) to disperse the photosensitizer in solution (mTHPC@HSA), investigating its anticancer potential in two HNSCC cell lines. Through a comprehensive characterization, we demonstrated that mTHPC@HSA is stable in physiological environment, does not aggregate, and is extremely efficient in PDT performance, due to its high singlet oxygen generation and the high dispersion as monomolecular form in HSA. This is supported by the computational identification of the specific binding pocket of mTHPC in HSA. Moreover, mTHPC@HSA-PDT induces cytotoxicity in both HNSCC cell lines, increasing intracellular ROS generation and the number of γ-H2AX foci, a cellular event involved in the global response to cellular stress. Taken together these results highlight the promising phototoxic profile of the complex, prompting further studies to assess its clinical potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Jun Mattioli
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Ulfo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Marconi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Pellicioni
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Paolo Emidio Costantini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Tainah Dorina Marforio
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Danielli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carmela Fimognari
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Eleonora Turrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.T.); (M.C.)
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.T.); (M.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cantelli A, Malferrari M, Mattioli EJ, Marconi A, Mirra G, Soldà A, Marforio TD, Zerbetto F, Rapino S, Di Giosia M, Calvaresi M. Enhanced Uptake and Phototoxicity of C 60@albumin Hybrids by Folate Bioconjugation. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:nano12193501. [PMID: 36234629 PMCID: PMC9565331 DOI: 10.3390/nano12193501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fullerenes are considered excellent photosensitizers, being highly suitable for photodynamic therapy (PDT). A lack of water solubility and low biocompatibility are, in many instances, still hampering the full exploitation of their potential in nanomedicine. Here, we used human serum albumin (HSA) to disperse fullerenes by binding up to five fullerene cages inside the hydrophobic cavities. Albumin was bioconjugated with folic acid to specifically address the folate receptors that are usually overexpressed in several solid tumors. Concurrently, tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate, TRITC, a tag for imaging, was conjugated to C60@HSA in order to build an effective phototheranostic platform. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that: (i) HSA disperses C60 molecules in a physiological environment, (ii) HSA, upon C60 binding, maintains its biological identity and biocompatibility, (iii) the C60@HSA complex shows a significant visible-light-induced production of reactive oxygen species, and (iv) folate bioconjugation improves both the internalization and the PDT-induced phototoxicity of the C60@HSA complex in HeLa cells.
Collapse
|
10
|
Kop TJ, Bjelaković MS, Živković L, Žekić A, Milić DR. Stable colloidal dispersions of fullerene C60, curcumin and C60-curcumin in water as potential antioxidants. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.129379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
11
|
Marforio TD, Mattioli EJ, Zerbetto F, Calvaresi M. Fullerenes against COVID-19: Repurposing C 60 and C 70 to Clog the Active Site of SARS-CoV-2 Protease. Molecules 2022; 27:1916. [PMID: 35335283 PMCID: PMC8955646 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The persistency of COVID-19 in the world and the continuous rise of its variants demand new treatments to complement vaccines. Computational chemistry can assist in the identification of moieties able to lead to new drugs to fight the disease. Fullerenes and carbon nanomaterials can interact with proteins and are considered promising antiviral agents. Here, we propose the possibility to repurpose fullerenes to clog the active site of the SARS-CoV-2 protease, Mpro. Through the use of docking, molecular dynamics, and energy decomposition techniques, it is shown that C60 has a substantial binding energy to the main protease of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, Mpro, higher than masitinib, a known inhibitor of the protein. Furthermore, we suggest the use of C70 as an innovative scaffold for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. At odds with masitinib, both C60 and C70 interact more strongly with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro when different protonation states of the catalytic dyad are considered. The binding of fullerenes to Mpro is due to shape complementarity, i.e., vdW interactions, and is aspecific. As such, it is not sensitive to mutations that can eliminate or invert the charges of the amino acids composing the binding pocket. Fullerenic cages should therefore be more effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus than the available inhibitors such as masinitib, where the electrostatic term plays a crucial role in the binding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tainah Dorina Marforio
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (E.J.M.); (F.Z.)
| | | | | | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (E.J.M.); (F.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bortot B, Apollonio M, Baj G, Andolfi L, Zupin L, Crovella S, di Giosia M, Cantelli A, Saporetti R, Ulfo L, Petrosino A, Di Lorenzo G, Romano F, Ricci G, Mongiat M, Danielli A, Calvaresi M, Biffi S. Advanced photodynamic therapy with an engineered M13 phage targeting EGFR: Mitochondrial localization and autophagy induction in ovarian cancer cell lines. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 179:242-251. [PMID: 34808331 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a potential synergistic approach to chemotherapy for treating ovarian cancer, the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. Here we used M13 bacteriophage as a targeted vector for the efficient photodynamic killing of SKOV3 and COV362 cells. The M13 phage was refactored (M13r) to display an EGFR binding peptide in its tip that is frequently overexpressed in ovarian cancer. The refactored phage was conjugated with chlorin e6 (Ce6), one of the most widely used photosensitizers (M13r-Ce6). The new platform, upon irradiation, generated ROS by type I mechanism and showed activity in killing SKOV3 and COV362 cells even at concentrations in which Ce6 alone was ineffective. A microscopy analysis demonstrated an enhanced cellular uptake of M13r-Ce6 compared to free Ce6 and its mitochondrial localization. Western blot analysis revealed significant downregulation in the expression of EGFR in cells exposed to M13r-Ce6 after PDT. Following PDT treatment, autophagy induction was supported by an increased expression of LC3II, along with a raised autophagic fluorescent signal, as observed by fluorescence microscopy analysis for autophagosome visualization. As a conclusion we have herein proposed a bacteriophage-based receptor targeted photodynamic therapy for EGFR-positive ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bortot
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maura Apollonio
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- BRAIN Center for Neuroscience, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Andolfi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Officina dei Materiali IOM-CNR, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luisa Zupin
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sergio Crovella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Matteo di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Cantelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Saporetti
- Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Ulfo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annapaola Petrosino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Lorenzo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federico Romano
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy; Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mongiat
- Department of Research and Diagnosis, Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Italy
| | - Alberto Danielli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Stefania Biffi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ulfo L, Cantelli A, Petrosino A, Costantini PE, Nigro M, Starinieri F, Turrini E, Zadran SK, Zuccheri G, Saporetti R, Di Giosia M, Danielli A, Calvaresi M. Orthogonal nanoarchitectonics of M13 phage for receptor targeted anticancer photodynamic therapy. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:632-641. [PMID: 34792088 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr06053h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a promising therapeutic modality for cancer. Here we used an orthogonal nanoarchitectonics approach (genetic/chemical) to engineer M13 bacteriophages as targeted vectors for efficient photodynamic killing of cancer cells. M13 was genetically refactored to display on the phage tip a peptide (SYPIPDT) able to bind the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The refactored M13EGFR phages demonstrated EGFR-targeted tropism and were internalized by A431 cancer cells, that overexpress EGFR. Using an orthogonal approach to the genetic display, M13EGFR phages were then chemically modified, conjugating hundreds of Rose Bengal (RB) photosensitizing molecules on the capsid surface, without affecting the selective recognition of the SYPIPDT peptides. Upon internalization, the M13EGFR-RB derivatives generated intracellularly reactive oxygen species, activated by an ultralow intensity white light irradiation. The killing activity of cancer cells is observed at picomolar concentrations of the M13EGFR phage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ulfo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Andrea Cantelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Annapaola Petrosino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Paolo Emidio Costantini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Michela Nigro
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesco Starinieri
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Turrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Corso d'Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Suleman Khan Zadran
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giampaolo Zuccheri
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Roberto Saporetti
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Matteo Di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Alberto Danielli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ulfo L, Costantini PE, Di Giosia M, Danielli A, Calvaresi M. EGFR-Targeted Photodynamic Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:241. [PMID: 35213974 PMCID: PMC8879084 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a pivotal role in the proliferation and metastatization of cancer cells. Aberrancies in the expression and activation of EGFR are hallmarks of many human malignancies. As such, EGFR-targeted therapies hold significant potential for the cure of cancers. In recent years, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gained increased interest as a non-invasive cancer treatment. In PDT, a photosensitizer is excited by light to produce reactive oxygen species, resulting in local cytotoxicity. One of the critical aspects of PDT is to selectively transport enough photosensitizers to the tumors environment. Accordingly, an increasing number of strategies have been devised to foster EGFR-targeted PDT. Herein, we review the recent nanobiotechnological advancements that combine the promise of PDT with EGFR-targeted molecular cancer therapy. We recapitulate the chemistry of the sensitizers and their modes of action in PDT, and summarize the advantages and pitfalls of different targeting moieties, highlighting future perspectives for EGFR-targeted photodynamic treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ulfo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.U.); (P.E.C.)
| | - Paolo Emidio Costantini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.U.); (P.E.C.)
| | - Matteo Di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Alberto Danielli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.U.); (P.E.C.)
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Marforio TD, Calza A, Mattioli EJ, Zerbetto F, Calvaresi M. Dissecting the Supramolecular Dispersion of Fullerenes by Proteins/Peptides: Amino Acid Ranking and Driving Forces for Binding to C 60. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111567. [PMID: 34768997 PMCID: PMC8583719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular dynamics simulations were used to quantitatively investigate the interactions between the twenty proteinogenic amino acids and C60. The conserved amino acid backbone gave a constant energetic interaction ~5.4 kcal mol−1, while the contribution to the binding due to the amino acid side chains was found to be up to ~5 kcal mol−1 for tryptophan but lower, to a point where it was slightly destabilizing, for glutamic acid. The effects of the interplay between van der Waals, hydrophobic, and polar solvation interactions on the various aspects of the binding of the amino acids, which were grouped as aromatic, charged, polar and hydrophobic, are discussed. Although π–π interactions were dominant, surfactant-like and hydrophobic effects were also observed. In the molecular dynamics simulations, the interacting residues displayed a tendency to visit configurations (i.e., regions of the Ramachandran plot) that were absent when C60 was not present. The amino acid backbone assumed a “tepee-like” geometrical structure to maximize interactions with the fullerene cage. Well-defined conformations of the most interactive amino acids (Trp, Arg, Met) side chains were identified upon C60 binding.
Collapse
|
16
|
Cantelli A, Malferrari M, Soldà A, Simonetti G, Forni S, Toscanella E, Mattioli EJ, Zerbetto F, Zanelli A, Di Giosia M, Zangoli M, Barbarella G, Rapino S, Di Maria F, Calvaresi M. Human Serum Albumin-Oligothiophene Bioconjugate: A Phototheranostic Platform for Localized Killing of Cancer Cells by Precise Light Activation. JACS AU 2021; 1:925-935. [PMID: 34467339 PMCID: PMC8395684 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.1c00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The electronic, optical, and redox properties of thiophene-based materials have made them pivotal in nanoscience and nanotechnology. However, the exploitation of oligothiophenes in photodynamic therapy is hindered by their intrinsic hydrophobicity that lowers their biocompatibility and availability in water environments. Here, we developed human serum albumin (HSA)-oligothiophene bioconjugates that afford the use of insoluble oligothiophenes in physiological environments. UV-vis and electrophoresis proved the conjugation of the oligothiophene sensitizers to the protein. The bioconjugate is water-soluble and biocompatible, does not have any "dark toxicity", and preserves HSA in the physiological monomeric form, as confirmed by dynamic light scattering and circular dichroism measurements. In contrast, upon irradiation with ultralow light doses, the bioconjugate efficiently produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and leads to the complete eradication of cancer cells. Real-time monitoring of the photokilling activity of the HSA-oligothiophene bioconjugate shows that living cells "explode" upon irradiation. Photodependent and dose-dependent apoptosis is one of the primary mechanisms of cell death activated by bioconjugate irradiation. The bioconjugate is a novel theranostic platform able to generate ROS intracellularly and provide imaging through the fluorescence of the oligothiophene. It is also a real-time self-reporting system able to monitor the apoptotic process. The induced phototoxicity is strongly confined to the irradiated region, showing localized killing of cancer cells by precise light activation of the bioconjugate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cantelli
- Dipartimento
di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Malferrari
- Dipartimento
di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alice Soldà
- Dipartimento
di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Simonetti
- IRCCS
Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Via Piero Maroncelli, 40, 47014 Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Sonny Forni
- Dipartimento
di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Edoardo Toscanella
- Dipartimento
di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Edoardo J. Mattioli
- Dipartimento
di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Zerbetto
- Dipartimento
di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Zanelli
- Istituto
per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Piero Gobetti, 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Giosia
- Dipartimento
di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mattia Zangoli
- Istituto
per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Piero Gobetti, 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy
- Mediteknology
srl, Via Piero Gobetti,
101, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Barbarella
- Istituto
per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Piero Gobetti, 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy
- Mediteknology
srl, Via Piero Gobetti,
101, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Rapino
- Dipartimento
di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Maria
- Istituto
per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività (ISOF), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Piero Gobetti, 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy
- Mediteknology
srl, Via Piero Gobetti,
101, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento
di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Costantini PE, Di Giosia M, Ulfo L, Petrosino A, Saporetti R, Fimognari C, Pompa PP, Danielli A, Turrini E, Boselli L, Calvaresi M. Spiky Gold Nanoparticles for the Photothermal Eradication of Colon Cancer Cells. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:1608. [PMID: 34207455 PMCID: PMC8233824 DOI: 10.3390/nano11061608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a widespread and lethal disease. Relapses of the disease and metastasis are very common in instances of CRC, so adjuvant therapies have a crucial role in its treatment. Systemic toxic effects and the development of resistance during therapy limit the long-term efficacy of existing adjuvant therapeutic approaches. Consequently, the search for alternative strategies is necessary. Photothermal therapy (PTT) represents an innovative treatment for cancer with great potential. Here, we synthesize branched gold nanoparticles (BGNPs) as attractive agents for the photothermal eradication of colon cancer cells. By controlling the NP growth process, large absorption in the first NIR biological window was obtained. The FBS dispersed BGNPs are stable in physiological-like environments and show an extremely efficient light-to-heat conversion capability when irradiated with an 808-nm laser. Sequential cycles of heating and cooling do not affect the BGNP stability. The uptake of BGNPs in colon cancer cells was confirmed using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, exploiting their intrinsic optical properties. In dark conditions, BGNPs are fully biocompatible and do not compromise cell viability, while an almost complete eradication of colon cancer cells was observed upon incubation with BGNPs and irradiation with an 808-nm laser source. The PTT treatment is characterized by an extremely rapid onset of action that leads to cell membrane rupture by induced hyperthermia, which is the trigger that promotes cancer cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Emidio Costantini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.E.C.); (L.U.); (A.P.); (A.D.)
| | - Matteo Di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.D.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Luca Ulfo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.E.C.); (L.U.); (A.P.); (A.D.)
| | - Annapaola Petrosino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.E.C.); (L.U.); (A.P.); (A.D.)
| | - Roberto Saporetti
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.D.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Carmela Fimognari
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy;
| | - Pier Paolo Pompa
- Nanobiointeractions and Nanodiagnostics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy;
| | - Alberto Danielli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.E.C.); (L.U.); (A.P.); (A.D.)
| | - Eleonora Turrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy;
| | - Luca Boselli
- Nanobiointeractions and Nanodiagnostics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy;
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.D.G.); (R.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Serda M, Szewczyk G, Krzysztyńska-Kuleta O, Korzuch J, Dulski M, Musioł R, Sarna T. Developing [60]Fullerene Nanomaterials for Better Photodynamic Treatment of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:5930-5940. [PMID: 33320587 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S.A. and Europe. Its subtype, squamous skin carcinoma (SCC), if allowed to grow, has the potential to metastasize and can become deadly. Currently, carbon nanomaterials are being developed to treat cancer due to their attractive physicochemical and biological properties such as an enhanced permeability effect and their ability to produce reactive oxygen species. Here, we describe the synthesis of two water-soluble aminofullerenes (MonoaminoC60 and HexakisaminoC60), which were evaluated as novel [60]fullerene based photosentizers exhibiting anticancer properties. Moreover, the previously described neutral glycofullerene GF1 and its peracetylated lipophilic precursor MMS48 were compared with the aminofullerenes for their ability to generate reactive oxygen species and oxidize lipids. Remarkably, the generation of singlet oxygen and a superoxide radical by HexakisaminoC60 was found to be markedly elevated in the presence of bovine serum albumin and NADH, respectively. Mechanistic studies of lipid peroxidation using cholesterol as a unique reporter molecule revealed that although all four fullerene nanomaterials primarily generated singlet oxygen, superoxide anion was also formed, which suggest a mixed mechanism of action (in which Type I and Type II photochemistry is involved). The [60]fullerene derivative HexakisaminoC60 was also studied for its phototoxicity in squamous skin cancer cell line (A431) using the MTT test and propidium iodide staining.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Serda
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice 40-007, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Szewczyk
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków 30-387, Poland
| | - Olga Krzysztyńska-Kuleta
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków 30-387, Poland
| | - Julia Korzuch
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice 40-007, Poland
| | - Mateusz Dulski
- Institute of Materials Engineering, University of Silesia in Katowice, 75 Pulku Piechoty 1A, Chorzów 41-500, Poland.,Silesian Center for Education and Interdisciplinary Research, University of Silesia in Katowice, 75 Pulku Piechoty 1A, 41-500 Chorzów, Poland
| | - Robert Musioł
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice 40-007, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Sarna
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków 30-387, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liu S, Chen D, Li X, Guan M, Zhou Y, Li L, Jia W, Zhou C, Shu C, Wang C, Bai C. Fullerene nanoparticles: a promising candidate for the alleviation of silicosis-associated pulmonary inflammation. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:17470-17479. [PMID: 32808001 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr04401f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to crystalline silica causes the development of silicosis, which is one of the most important occupational diseases worldwide. In the early stage of silicosis, inhaled silica crystals initiate oxidative stress, a cycle of persistent inflammation and lung injury. And it is crucial to prevent the deteriorative progression in the onset of the disease. Herein, we present a promising candidate for the treatment of crystalline silica-induced pulmonary inflammation, using a silicosis mouse model caused by intratracheal instillation based on local administration of β-alanine and hydroxyl functionalized C70 fullerene nanoparticles (FNs). The results demonstrate that FNs could significantly alleviate inflammatory cells infiltration, lower the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reduce the destruction of lung architecture stimulated by crystalline silica. Further investigations reveal that FNs could effectively inhibit the activation of NLRP3 (NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3) inflammasome, and thus prevent the secretion of mature IL-1β and neutrophil influx, deriving from the superior ROS scavenging capability. Importantly, FNs could not cause any obvious toxicity after pulmonary administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Daiqin Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xue Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mirong Guan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lei Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wang Jia
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunying Shu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunru Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunli Bai
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Di Giosia M, Genovese D, Cantelli A, Cingolani M, Rampazzo E, Strever G, Tavoni M, Zaccheroni N, Calvaresi M, Prodi L. Synthesis and characterization of a reconstituted myoglobin-chlorin e6 adduct for theranostic applications. J PORPHYR PHTHALOCYA 2020. [DOI: 10.1142/s108842461950202x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chlorin e6 (Ce6) and its derivatives are among the most important photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy. Due to their intense fluorescence, chlorins may also be used for diagnostics. However, low solubility in water and high tendency to aggregation restrict their medical use. Here we demonstrate that apo-myoglobin, by reinserting Ce6 in its heme binding pocket, can be used to monomolecularly disperse it. The reconstructed myoglobin-Ce6 adduct presents noticeable changes in the photophysical properties of the chromophore. A red-shift, in particular in the transparency window, can be observed in the absorption and in the emission spectra of the adduct compared to the spectra of the free chlorin in PBS. The adduct presents a higher quantum yield and an increased excited-state lifetime with respect to the free Ce6. The binding of Ce6 to apo-myoglobin determines a decrease of the 1O2 generation but a three-fold increase of peroxides production, determining globally an increase in the performance of Ce6 as a photosensitizer and imaging agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum — Università Degli Studi di Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Damiano Genovese
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum — Università Degli Studi di Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Cantelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum — Università Degli Studi di Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Cingolani
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum — Università Degli Studi di Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Enrico Rampazzo
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum — Università Degli Studi di Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Strever
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum — Università Degli Studi di Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Tavoni
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum — Università Degli Studi di Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Nelsi Zaccheroni
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum — Università Degli Studi di Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum — Università Degli Studi di Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- CIRI Scienze Della Vita e Tecnologie per la Salute, Alma Mater Studiorum — Università Degli Studi di Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Prodi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum — Università Degli Studi di Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- CIRI Scienze Della Vita e Tecnologie per la Salute, Alma Mater Studiorum — Università Degli Studi di Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cantelli A, Piro F, Pecchini P, Di Giosia M, Danielli A, Calvaresi M. Concanavalin A-Rose Bengal bioconjugate for targeted Gram-negative antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2020; 206:111852. [PMID: 32199235 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.111852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is considered a very promising therapeutic modality for antimicrobial therapy. Although several studies have demonstrated that Gram-positive bacteria are very sensitive to PDT, Gram-negative bacteria are more resistant to photodynamic action. This difference is due to a different cell wall structure. Gram-negative bacteria have an outer cell membrane containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS) that hinder the binding of photosensitizer molecules, protecting the bacterial cells from chemical attacks. Combination of the lipopolysaccharides-binding activity of Concanavalin A (ConA) with the photodynamic properties of Rose Bengal (RB) holds the potential of an innovative protein platform for targeted photodynamic therapy against Gram-negative bacteria. A ConA-RB bioconjugate was synthesized and characterized. Approximately 2.4 RB molecules were conjugated per ConA monomer. The conjugation of RB to ConA determines a decrease of the singlet oxygen generation and an increase of superoxide and peroxide production. The photokilling efficacy of the ConA-RB bioconjugate was demonstrated in a planktonic culture of E. coli. Irradiation with white light from a LED lamp produced a dose-dependent photokilling of bacteria. ConA-RB conjugates exhibited a consistent improvement over RB (up to 117-fold). The improved uptake of the photosensitizer explains the enhanced PDT effect accompanying increased membrane damages induced by the ConA-RB conjugate. The approach can be readily generalized (i) using different photo/sonosensitizers, (ii) to target other pathogens characterized by cell membranes containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cantelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Piro
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Pietro Pecchini
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Danielli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, via Francesco Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via Francesco Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
|
23
|
Krumkacheva OA, Timofeev IO, Politanskaya LV, Polienko YF, Tretyakov EV, Rogozhnikova OY, Trukhin DV, Tormyshev VM, Chubarov AS, Bagryanskaya EG, Fedin MV. Triplet Fullerenes as Prospective Spin Labels for Nanoscale Distance Measurements by Pulsed Dipolar EPR Spectroscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201904152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Olesya A. Krumkacheva
- International Tomography Center SB RAS Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
- Novosibirsk State University Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
| | - Ivan O. Timofeev
- International Tomography Center SB RAS Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
- Novosibirsk State University Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
| | - Larisa V. Politanskaya
- N.N.Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
- Novosibirsk State University Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
| | - Yuliya F. Polienko
- N.N.Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
- Novosibirsk State University Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
| | - Evgeny V. Tretyakov
- N.N.Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
- Novosibirsk State University Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
| | - Olga Yu. Rogozhnikova
- N.N.Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
- Novosibirsk State University Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
| | - Dmitry V. Trukhin
- N.N.Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
- Novosibirsk State University Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
| | - Victor M. Tormyshev
- N.N.Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
- Novosibirsk State University Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
| | - Alexey S. Chubarov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
- Novosibirsk State University Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
| | - Elena G. Bagryanskaya
- N.N.Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
- Novosibirsk State University Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
| | - Matvey V. Fedin
- International Tomography Center SB RAS Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
- Novosibirsk State University Novosibirsk 630090 Russia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Krumkacheva OA, Timofeev IO, Politanskaya LV, Polienko YF, Tretyakov EV, Rogozhnikova OY, Trukhin DV, Tormyshev VM, Chubarov AS, Bagryanskaya EG, Fedin MV. Triplet Fullerenes as Prospective Spin Labels for Nanoscale Distance Measurements by Pulsed Dipolar EPR Spectroscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:13271-13275. [PMID: 31322814 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201904152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Precise nanoscale distance measurements by pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy play a crucial role in structural studies of biomolecules. The properties of the spin labels used in this approach determine the sensitivity limits, attainable distances, and proximity to biological conditions. Herein, we propose and validate the use of photoexcited fullerenes as spin labels for pulsed dipolar (PD) EPR distance measurements. Hyperpolarization and the narrower spectrum of fullerenes compared to other triplets (e.g., porphyrins) boost the sensitivity, and superior relaxation properties allow PD EPR measurements up to a near-room temperature. This approach is demonstrated using fullerene-nitroxide and fullerene-triarylmethyl pairs, as well as a supramolecular complex of fullerene with nitroxide-labeled protein. Photoexcited triplet fullerenes can be considered as new spin labels with outstanding spectroscopic properties for future structural studies of biomolecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olesya A Krumkacheva
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Ivan O Timofeev
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Larisa V Politanskaya
- N.N.Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Yuliya F Polienko
- N.N.Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Evgeny V Tretyakov
- N.N.Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Olga Yu Rogozhnikova
- N.N.Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitry V Trukhin
- N.N.Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Victor M Tormyshev
- N.N.Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Alexey S Chubarov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Elena G Bagryanskaya
- N.N.Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Matvey V Fedin
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Di Giosia M, Nicolini F, Ferrazzano L, Soldà A, Valle F, Cantelli A, Marforio TD, Bottoni A, Zerbetto F, Montalti M, Rapino S, Tolomelli A, Calvaresi M. Stable and Biocompatible Monodispersion of C 60 in Water by Peptides. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:808-814. [PMID: 30616344 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The lack of solubility in water and the formation of aggregates hamper many opportunities for technological exploitation of C60. Here, different peptides were designed and synthesized with the aim of monomolecular dispersion of C60 in water. Phenylalanines were used as recognizing moieties, able to interact with C60 through π-π stacking, while a varying number of glycines were used as spacers, to connect the two terminal phenylalanines. The best performance in the dispersion of C60 was obtained with the FGGGF peptidic nanotweezer at a pH of 12. A full characterization of this adduct was carried out. The peptides disperse C60 in water with high efficiency, and the solutions are stable for months both in pure water and in physiological environments. NMR measurements demonstrated the ability of the peptides to interact with C60. AFM measurements showed that C60 is monodispersed. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry determined a stoichiometry of C60@(FGGGF)4. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the peptides assemble around the C60 cage, like a candy in its paper wrapper, creating a supramolecular host able to accept C60 in the cavity. The peptide-wrapped C60 is fully biocompatible and the C60 "dark toxicity" is eliminated. C60@(FGGGF)4 shows visible light-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation at physiological saline concentrations and reduction of the HeLa cell viability in response to visible light irradiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Di Giosia
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician" , Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna , Via Francesco Selmi, 2 - 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Federica Nicolini
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician" , Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna , Via Francesco Selmi, 2 - 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Lucia Ferrazzano
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician" , Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna , Via Francesco Selmi, 2 - 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Alice Soldà
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician" , Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna , Via Francesco Selmi, 2 - 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Francesco Valle
- Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati, ISMN-CNR , via Gobetti 101 , 40129 Bologna , Italy
| | - Andrea Cantelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician" , Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna , Via Francesco Selmi, 2 - 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Tainah Dorina Marforio
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician" , Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna , Via Francesco Selmi, 2 - 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Andrea Bottoni
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician" , Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna , Via Francesco Selmi, 2 - 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Francesco Zerbetto
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician" , Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna , Via Francesco Selmi, 2 - 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Marco Montalti
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician" , Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna , Via Francesco Selmi, 2 - 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Stefania Rapino
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician" , Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna , Via Francesco Selmi, 2 - 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Alessandra Tolomelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician" , Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna , Via Francesco Selmi, 2 - 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician" , Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna , Via Francesco Selmi, 2 - 40126 Bologna , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Bologna F, Mattioli EJ, Bottoni A, Zerbetto F, Calvaresi M. Interactions between Endohedral Metallofullerenes and Proteins: The Gd@C 60-Lysozyme Model. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:13782-13789. [PMID: 31458078 PMCID: PMC6644377 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b01888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) have great potential as radioisotope carriers for nuclear medicine and as contrast agents for X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging. EMFs have still important restrictions for their use due to low solubility in physiological environments, low biocompatibility, nonspecific cellular uptake, and a strong dependence of their peculiar properties on physiological parameters, such as pH and salt content. Conjugation of the EMFs with proteins can overcome many of these limitations. Here we investigated the thermodynamics of binding of a model EMF (Gd@C60) with a protein (lysozyme) that is known to act as a host for the empty fullerene. As a rule, even if the shape of an EMF is exactly the same as that of the related fullerene, the interactions with a protein are significantly different. The estimated interaction energy (ΔG binding) between Gd@C60 and lysozyme is -18.7 kcal mol-1, suggesting the possibility of using proteins as supramolecular carriers for EMFs. π-π stacking, hydrophobic interactions, surfactant-like interactions, and electrostatic interactions govern the formation of the hybrid between Gd@C60 and lysozyme. The comparison of the energy contributions to the binding between C60 or Gd@C60 and lysozyme suggests that, although shape complementarity remains the driving force of the binding, the presence of electron transfer from the gadolinium atom to the carbon cage induces a charge distribution on the fullerene cage that strongly affects its interaction with the protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Bologna
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo
Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università
di Bologna, via F. Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Edoardo Jun Mattioli
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo
Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università
di Bologna, via F. Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Bottoni
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo
Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università
di Bologna, via F. Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Zerbetto
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo
Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università
di Bologna, via F. Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Dipartimento di Chimica “Giacomo
Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—Università
di Bologna, via F. Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|