Partha R, Lackey M, Hirsch A, Casscells W, Conyers J (2007)
Publication Type: Journal article, Original article
Publication year: 2007
Original Authors: Partha R., Lackey M., Hirsch A., Casscells S.W., Conyers J.L.
Publisher: BioMed Central
Book Volume: 5
Article Number: 6
Background: The amphiphilic fullerene monomer (AF-1) consists of a "buckyball" cage to which a Newkome-like dendrimer unit and five lipophilic C chains positioned octahedrally to the dendrimer unit are attached. In this study, we report a novel fullerene-based liposome termed 'buckysome' that is water soluble and forms stable spherical nanometer sized vesicles. Cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies were used to characterize the different supra-molecular structures readily formed from the fullerene monomers under varying pH, aqueous solvents, and preparative conditions. Results: Electron microscopy results indicate the formation of bilayer membranes with a width of ∼6.5 nm, consistent with previously reported molecular dynamics simulations. Cryo-EM indicates the formation of large (400 nm diameter) multilamellar, liposome-like vesicles and unilamellar vesicles in the size range of 50-150 nm diameter. In addition, complex networks of cylindrical, tube-like aggregates with varying lengths and packing densities were observed. Under controlled experimental conditions, high concentrations of spherical vesicles could be formed. In vitro results suggest that these supra-molecular structures impose little to no toxicity. Cytotoxicity of 10-200 μM buckysomes were assessed in various cell lines. Ongoing studies are aimed at understanding cellular internalization of these nanoparticle aggregates. Conclusion: In this current study, we have designed a core platform based on a novel amphiphilic fullerene nanostructure, which readily assembles into supra-molecular structures. This delivery vector might provide promising features such as ease of preparation, long-term stability and controlled release. © 2007 Partha et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
APA:
Partha, R., Lackey, M., Hirsch, A., Casscells, W., & Conyers, J. (2007). Self assembly of amphiphilic C60 fullerene derivatives into nanoscale supramolecular structures. Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-3155-5-6
MLA:
Partha, Ranga, et al. "Self assembly of amphiphilic C60 fullerene derivatives into nanoscale supramolecular structures." Journal of Nanobiotechnology 5 (2007).
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