Photocytotoxicity of several fullerene derivatives having different structures against HeLa cells

Four fullerene derivatives including a bisadduct of tetraethyl methano [60] fullerenediphosphonate (2P), a dimalonic acid [60] fullerene (2e), methano [60] fullerenediphosphonic acid (1PA) and fullerol were used to study the relationship between their photo-induced cytotoxicity and structures. Their effects on the growth of human HeLa cells were determined by MTT assaying. Without irradiation, four C₆₀ derivatives did not produce any inhibition against HeLa cells at the concentration of 10 μmol/L. When irradiation was applied, 2P, 2e and 1PA remarkably inhibited cell growth, whereas fullerol showed no obvious effect. The results indicated that the photo-induced cytotoxicity of C₆₀ derivatives was related to the structure and number of their adduct groups, and might involve cell uptake and ROS production.