Investigating the Radioprotective Properties of C60 Fullerene Nanoparticles: Effects on Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Viability and Inflammatory Markers

Abstract

Purpose: Radiation exposure triggers oxidative stress and inflammatory responses that contribute to cellular damage and hinder tissue regeneration. Developing effective radioprotective strategies is therefore essential for improving therapeutic outcomes in regenerative medicine. This study investigated the radioprotective effects of C60 fullerene nanoparticles on adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) exposed to X-ray irradiation in vitro. Methods: C60 nanoparticles were synthesized using the electric arc discharge method and characterized by FE-SEM, FTIR, and XRD, confirming their nanoscale size, spherical morphology, and high purity. ASCs were treated with varying concentrations of C60 (0, 5, 10, 15 μg/mL) before irradiation, and cell viability, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers were evaluated. Results: C60 treatment significantly improved cell viability compared with irradiated and untreated controls. Nitric oxide (NO), a major indicator of oxidative stress, decreased in a dose-dependent manner following nanoparticle administration. Additionally, the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α were markedly reduced, demonstrating the anti-inflammatory potential of C60 and its ability to mitigate radiation-induced cellular injury. Conclusion: Overall, the findings indicate that C60 fullerene nanoparticles possess notable radioprotective properties, driven by their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Further research is required to elucidate their mechanisms of action and assess their potential applications in regenerative medicine and related biomedical fields.

Keywords: Cytokines, X-Rays, Stem Cells, Radiation Protection, Nanostructures