Development of photoactive Sweet-C_{60} for pancreatic cancer stellate cell therapy

AIM: Glycoconjugated C60 derivatives are of particular interest as potential cancer targeting agents due to an upregulated metabolic glucose demand, especially in the case of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and its dense stroma, which is known to be driven by a subset of pancreatic stellate cells. MATERIALS & METHODS: Herein, we describe the synthesis and biological characterization of a hexakis-glucosamine C60 derivative (termed 'Sweet-C60'). RESULTS: Synthesized fullerene derivative predominantly accumulates in the nucleus of pancreatic stellate cells; is inherently nontoxic up to concentrations of 1 mg/ml; and is photoactive when illuminated with blue and green light, allowing its use as a photodynamic therapy agent. CONCLUSION: Obtained glycoconjugated nanoplatform is a promising nanotherapeutic for pancreatic cancer.