Metallofullerenol Sc₃N@C₈₀(OH)₁₈: A New Generation Radioprotector Protecting Human Erythrocytes Against Multiple Biochemical Damage Modes Upon Gamma Irradiation, Identifying It as a Scavenger of Short- and Long-Lived Radicals.

Abstract

Metallofullerenols (MFs), functionalized endohedral fullerenes, exhibit unique activity by integrating atomic, molecular, and supramolecular levels of matter organization. The antioxidant properties of MFs constitute a novel technology, utilizing these nanocompounds for radioprotection. This integration of nanotechnology with radiological protection may contribute to revolutionary solutions in nuclear safety. Preclinical studies demonstrate low toxicity of MFs and high therapeutic value as redox mediators. In this study, the interaction of the metallofullerenol Sc₃N@C₈₀(OH)₁₈ with high-energy radiation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) is explored, laying the foundation for applications in modern cancer therapy. Radioprotective assessments are conducted on human erythrocytes exposed to gamma (γ) radiation. The rate constant determined by pulse radiolysis for reaction of Sc₃N@C₈₀(OH)₁₈ with CCl₃OO^• radicals is 1.29 × 10⁷ dm³ mol^-1 s^-1. The findings reveal that 25 µm Sc₃N@C₈₀(OH)₁₈ protects human erythrocytes from radiation-induced hemolysis. The protective effect is evidenced by reduced release of band 3 protein from radiation-induced degradation up to 2.115 kGy. The observed effects are proposed to result from ROS scavenging by Sc₃N@C₈₀(OH)₁₈ and its bioactivity via membrane protein adsorption. These findings highlight its potential for mitigating radiation-induced membrane damage, consequently providing a promising foundation for further studies on application in, e.g., cancer therapy.