Potential of Fullerenes for Photodynamic Therapy Application

Abstract

Since the initial reports on 1O2 generation from C60 and C70 by Foote in 1991 and photo DNA cleavage activity of water-soluble C60 derivative by Nakamura in 1993, many studies have been reported on the use of fullerenes (C60 and C70) in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The advantages of fullerenes as photosensitizers (PSs) in PDT include high quantum yield in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROSs) and a relatively long excitation wavelength; but one major disadvantage for medical use is insolubility in water. In this chapter, the important photophysical properties of C60 and C70, the preparation of water-soluble materials, and their application to PDT are outlined.