A Bone-Penetrating Precise Controllable Drug Release System Enables Localized Treatment of Osteoporotic Fracture Prevention via Modulating Osteoblast-Osteoclast Communication.

Improving local bone mineral density (BMD) at fracture-prone sites of bone is a clinical concern for osteoporotic fracture prevention. In this study, a featured radial extracorporeal shock wave (rESW) responsive nano-drug delivery system (NDDS) is developed for local treatment. Based on a mechanic simulation, a sequence of hollow zoledronic acid (ZOL)-contained nanoparticles (HZNs) with controllable shell thickness that predicts various mechanical responsive properties is constructed by controlling the deposition time of ZOL and Ca2+ on liposome templates. Attributed to the controllable shell thickness, the fragmentation of HZNs and the release of ZOL and Ca2+ can be precisely controlled with the intervention of rESW. Furthermore, the distinct effect of HZNs with different shell thicknesses on bone metabolism after fragmentation is verified. In vitro co-culture experiments demonstrate that although HZN2 does not have the strongest osteoclasts inhibitory effect, the best pro-osteoblasts mineralization results are achieved via maintaining osteoblast-osteoclast (OB-OC) communication. In vivo, the HZN2 group also shows the strongest local BMD enhancement after rESW intervention and significantly improves bone-related parameters and mechanical properties in the ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis (OP) rats. These findings suggest that an adjustable and precise rESW-responsive NDDS can effectively improve local BMD in OP therapy.

Oral Administration of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Attenuates Lung Injury Caused by PM2.5 Respiratory Inhalation Simply and Feasibly In Vivo.

For developing an effective interventional approach and treatment modality for PM2.5, the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on alleviating inflammation and attenuating lung injury induced by inhalation exposure of PM2.5 were assessed in murine models. We found that daily oral administration of the active components of omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) effectively alleviated lung parenchymal lesions, restored normal inflammatory cytokine levels and oxidative stress levels in treating mice exposed to PM2.5 (20 mg/kg) every 3 days for 5 times over a 14-day period. Especially, CT images and the pathological analysis suggested protective effects of DHA and EPA on lung injury. The key molecular mechanism is that DHA and EPA can inhibit the entry and deposition of PM2.5, and block the PM2.5-mediated cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Thrombolytic Agents: Nanocarriers in Targeted Release.

A thrombus, known as a blood clot, may form within the vascular system of the body and impede blood flow. Thrombosis is the most common underlying pathology of cardiovascular diseases, contributing to high morbidity and mortality. However, the main thrombolytic drugs (urokinase, streptokinase, etc.) have shortcomings, including a short half-life, serious side effects and a lack of targeting, that limit their clinical application. The use of nano-drug delivery systems is expected to address these problems and a variety of approaches, including biological and physical responsive systems, have been explored. In this report, recent advances in the development of targeted nano-drug delivery systems are thoroughly reviewed.

The High Permeability of Nanocarriers Crossing the Enterocyte Layer by Regulation of the Surface Zonal Pattern.

The intestinal epithelium is a major barrier that limits the absorption of oral drugs. The integrity of the epithelial tissue is a very important factor for preventing intestinal diseases. However, destabilization of the epithelium can promote the transportation of nanocarriers and increase the absorption of oral drugs. In our research, three different gold nanoparticles (GNPs) of the same size but with differing negative surface charge were designed and constructed as a model to determine the surface properties crucial for promoting absorptivity and bioavailability of the nanocarriers. The higher the ratio of surface carboxyl groups on GNPs, the higher capacity to induce transepithelial electrical resistance change and cell monolayer tight junction opening with higher permeability. The half carboxyl and half methyl surfaced GNPs displayed unique zonal surface patterns exhibited the greater ability to pass through intestinal epithelial cell layer but had a relatively small influence on tight junction distribution.

Interaction Principle Between Coagulation Factor X and Fullerene Derivatives with Different Hydrophilic-Hydrophobic Properties for Anticoagulation.

Recent experiments have found that fullerenols can inhibit coagulation factor X (FXa) activity and have the effects on anticoagulation. But the interactions between fullerene derivatives and FXa are still lacking which are crucial for the new inhibitors designs and applications. In this study, we investigated the interaction principle between FXa and fullerenol molecules (C60(OH)24)/carboxyfullerene molecules (C60(C(COOH)2)2) with different hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties via AutoDock Vina. We performed molecular docking to obtain the binding mode conformations of C60(OH)24/C60(C(COOH)2)2 to FXa and investigated multibody adsorption behaviors of C60(OH)24/C60(C(COOH)2)2 to FXa. Then we analyzed the interactions between FXa and C60(OH)24/C60(C(COOH)2)2 to obtain the absorption driving mechanism. We found C60(C(COOH)2)2 was more stable to bind to the active site of FXa compared with C60(OH)24 with lower binding energy during the competitive absorptions. The adsorption behaviors of fullerene derivatives C60(OH)24 and C60(C(COOH)2)2 were different as well during their multibody absorptions. The absorption of C60(OH)24 was driven by hydrophilic interactions while that of C60(C(COOH)2)2 was driven by hydrophobic interactions. These results can be used to guide the design and optimization of the fullerene derivative anticoagulant through inhibiting the activity of FXa.

Au Nanoparticles Attenuate RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis by Suppressing Pre-Osteoclast Fusion.

Osteoclasts are multinucleated terminal cells that originate from a hematopoietic monocyte/macrophage lineage. Excessive osteoclast formation in vivo can lead to bone metabolic diseases such as postmenopausal osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, rheumatoid arthritis, and lytic bone metastases of cancer cells. Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) are inorganic nanoparticles with outstanding biocompatibility. We assessed their effect on osteoclastogenesis and found that pre-osteoclast fusion induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colonystimulating factor (M-CSF) was suppressed by AuNPs. Cell migration and actin ring formation were also significantly inhibited. Finally, AuNPs reduced osteoclast bone absorption function. Interestingly, we observed altered fusogenic gene expression in treated pre-osteoclasts. Our results suggest that AuNPs have potential as a therapeutic agent for osteoclast-related bone metabolism diseases.

Quantitative Analysis of Multiple Proteins of Different Invasive Tumor Cell Lines at the Same Single-Cell Level.

Tumor cell invasion is pivotal to the development, metastasis, and prognosis of tumors. It is reported that the invasive ability of tumor cells is mainly dependent on the expression levels of membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and integrin αV ß3 proteins on cell membranes. To precisely distinguish between tumor cells with different invasive abilities, it is important to establish a highly sensitive and precise quantification method to differentiate the expression levels of MT1-MMP and integrin αV ß3 in the same single tumor cell at the same time. Herein, two functional peptides to construct red-emissive Au26 clusters and green-emissive Ag12 clusters are reported. Moreover, the Au26 clusters and Ag12 clusters have the ability to specifically target MT1-MMP and integrin αV ß3 , respectively, in the same single cell at the same time. By utilizing the fluorescent properties and metallic compositions of metal clusters, the MT1-MMP and integrin αV ß3 levels of the more invasive SiHa cells or the less invasive HeLa cells are simultaneously and quantitatively differentiated via laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This method of quantitatively detecting multiple invasive proteins on the same cell is of great value for accurately diagnosing aggressive tumors and monitoring the invasiveness of these tumors.

Highly Dispersed Fullerenols Hamper Osteoclast Ruffled Border Formation by Perturbing Ca2+ Bundles.

Osteoporosis, a common and serious bone disorder affecting aged people and postmenopausal women, is characterized by osteoclast overactivity. One therapeutic strategy is suppressing the bone resorption function of hyperactive osteoclasts, but there is no effective drug in clinical practice so far. Herein, it is demonstrated that fullerenols suppress the bone resorption of osteoclasts by inhibiting ruffled borders (RBs) formation. The RBs formation, which is supported by well-aligned actin bundles (B-actins), is a critical event for osteoclast bone resorption. To facilitate this function, osteoclast RBs dynamics is regulated by variable microenvironments to bundle F-actins, protrude cell membrane, and so on. B-actin perturbation by fullerenols is determined here, offering an opportunity to regulate osteoclast function by destroying RBs. In vivo, the therapeutic effect of fullerenols on overactive osteoclasts is confirmed in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide-induced bone erosion. Collectively, the findings suggest that fullerenols adhere to F-actin surfaces and inhibit RBs formation in osteoclasts, mainly through hampering Ca2+ from bundling F-actins, and this is likely due to the stereo-hindrance effect caused by adherent fullerenols.

The antihyperlipidemic effects of fullerenol nanoparticles via adjusting the gut microbiota in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Nanoparticles (NPs) administered orally will meet the gut microbiota, but their impacts on microbiota homeostasis and the consequent physiological relevance remain largely unknown. Here, we describe the modulatory effects and the consequent pharmacological outputs of two orally administered fullerenols NPs (Fol1 C60(OH)7(O)8 and Fol113 C60(OH)11(O)6) on gut microbiota. RESULTS: Administration of Fol1 and Fol113 NPs for 4 weeks largely shifted the overall structure of gut microbiota in mice. The bacteria belonging to putative short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing genera were markedly increased by both NPs, especially Fol1. Dynamic analysis showed that major SCFAs-producers and key butyrate-producing gene were significantly enriched after treatment for 7-28 days. The fecal contents of SCFAs were consequently increased, which was accompanied by significant decreases of triglycerides and total cholesterol levels in the blood and liver, with Fol1 superior to Fol113. Under cultivation in vitro, fullerenols NPs can be degraded by gut flora and exhibited a similar capacity of inulin to promote SCFA-producing genera. The differential effects of Fol1 and Fol113 NPs on the microbiome may be attributable to their subtly varied surface structures. CONCLUSIONS: The two fullerenol NPs remarkably modulate the gut microbiota and selectively enrich SCFA-producing bacteria, which may be an important reason for their anti-hyperlipidemic effect in mice.

Small size fullerenol nanoparticles suppress lung metastasis of breast cancer cell by disrupting actin dynamics.

BACKGROUND: Tumor metastasis is the primary cause of mortality in cancer patients. Migratory breast cancer cells in lymphatic and blood vessels seek new sites and form metastatic colonies in the lung and bone, and then these cancer cells often wreak considerable havoc. With advances in nanotechnology, nanomaterials and nanotechnologies are widely applied in tumor therapy. In this paper, small size fullerenol nanoparticles, which are separated by isoelectric focusing electrophoresis (IFE) for discrepancy of isoelectric point (pI), are used in the study of tumor metastasis. RESULTS: In this study, the commendable inhibition of tumor metastasis was uncovered by intravenous injection of purified fullerenol fraction with special surface charge and functional groups, which was separated by IFE for discrepancy of pI. By investigating the actin dynamics in several cancer cell lines, we found these small size fullerenol nanoparticles disturbed actin dynamics. Young's modulus detection and cell migration assays revealed that fullerenol lowered stiffness and restrained migration of breast cancer cells. Filopodia, the main supporting structures of actin bundles, are important for cell motility and adhesion. Scanning electron microscopy showed that fullerenol reduced the number and length of filopodia. Simultaneously, the inhibition of integrin to form clusters on filopodias, which was likely induced by reorganizing of actin cytoskeleton, impacted cancer cell adhesion and motility. CONCLUSIONS: With intravenous injection of these fullerenol nanoparticles, tumor metastasis is well inhibited in vivo. The underlying mechanism most likely to be attributed to the effect of fullerenol nanoparticles on disturbing actin dynamics. With the disordered actin fiber, cell function is varied, including decreased cell stiffness, reduced filopodia formation, and inactivated integrin.

Small size fullerenol nanoparticles inhibit thrombosis and blood coagulation through inhibiting activities of thrombin and FXa.

Thrombus is one of main causes of death in the world and also a vital trouble of biomaterials application in vivo. Recently, effect of fullerenol nanomaterials on anticoagulation was found in our research through extension of bleeding times in treated Sprague-Dawley rats via intravenous injection. Inhibiting of fullerenols on thrombosis was ascertained further by thromboembolism model. Effects of fullerenols on intrinsic and extrinsic pathway were distinct in prolonging activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time, which supported that fullerenols induced defects in both pathways. Inhibited activities of activated coagulation factor X (FXa) and thrombin were verified by experiments in vitro and AutoDock Vina. The results suggest that fullerenols depending on small size and certainly surface property occupied the active domain of FXa and thrombin to block their activity; further, thrombosis was inhibited. This putative mechanism offers an insight into how fullerenol NPs were utilized further in biomedical applications.

Nanoparticles with High-Surface Negative-Charge Density Disturb the Metabolism of Low-Density Lipoprotein in Cells.

Endocytosis is an important pathway to regulate the metabolism of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in cells. At the same time, engineering nanoparticles (ENPs) enter the cell through endocytosis in biomedical applications. Therefore, a crucial question is whether the nanoparticles involved in endocytosis could impact the natural metabolism of LDL in cells. In this study, we fabricated a series of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) (13.00 ± 0.69 nm) with varied surface charge densities. The internalized AuNPs with high-surface negative-charge densities (HSNCD) significantly reduced LDL uptake in HepG-2, HeLa, and SMMC-7721 cells compared with those cells in control group. Notably, the significant reduction of LDL uptake in cells correlates with the reduction of LDL receptors (LDL-R) on the cell surface, but there is no change in protein and mRNA of LDL-Rs. The cyclic utilization of LDL-R in cells is a crucial pathway to maintain the homoeostasis of LDL uptake. The release of LDL-Rs from LDL/LDL-R complexes in endosomes depended on reduction of the pH in the lumen. AuNPs with HSNCD hampered vacuolar-type H⁺-ATPase V1 (ATPaseV1) and ATPaseV0 binding on the endosome membrane, blocking protons to enter the endosome by the pump. Hence, fewer freed LDL-Rs were transported into recycling endosomes (REs) to be returned to cell surface for reuse, reducing the LDL uptake of cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis. The restrained LDL-Rs in the LDL/LDL-R complex were degraded in lysosomes.

Effects of Fullerenol Nanoparticles on Rat Oocyte Meiosis Resumption.

The excellent biocompatibility and biological effects of fullerenol and its derivatives make their biomedical application promising. The potential effects of fullerenol in mammals have been extensively studied, but little is known about its effects on female reproduction. Using canonical oocyte-granulosa cell complexes (OGCs) in vitro maturation culture model, we investigated the effect of fullerenol on the first oocyte meiotic resumption. In the surrounding granulosa cells, fullerenol nanoparticles occluded the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to reduce EGFR-ligand binding and subsequent extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activation, which involved the regulation of connexin 43 (CX43) expression and internalization. Downregulation of CX43 expression and the retraction of transzonal projections (TZPs) interrupted the gap junction channel and TZPs based mass transportation. This effect decreased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in the oocyte and thereby accelerated rat oocyte meiosis resumption. Moreover, perinuclear distribution of CX43 and EGFR was observed in granulosa cells, which could further exacerbate the effects. Fullerenol nanoparticles interfered with the strict process of oocyte meiosis resumption, which likely reduced the oocyte quality.

Metabolizer in vivo of fullerenes and metallofullerenes by positron emission tomography.

Fullerenes (C60) and metallofullerenes (Gd@C82) have similar chemical structure, but the bio-effects of both fullerene-based materials are distinct in vivo. Tracking organic carbon-based materials such as C60 and Gd@C82 is difficult in vivo due to the high content of carbon element in the living tissues themselves. In this study, the biodistribution and metabolism of fullerenes (C60 and Gd@C82) radiolabeled with (64)Cu were observed by positron emission tomography (PET). (64)Cu-C60 and (64)Cu-Gd@C82 were prepared using 1, 4, 7, 10-tetrakis (carbamoylmethyl)-1, 4, 7, 10-tetra-azacyclodo-decanes grafted on carbon cages as a chelator for (64)Cu, and were obtained rapidly with high radiochemical yield (≥90%). The new radio-conjugates were evaluated in vivo in the normal mouse model and tissue distribution by small animal PET/CT imaging and histology was carried out. The PET imaging, the biodistribution and the excretion of C60 and Gd@C82 indicated that C60 samples have higher blood retention and lower renal clearance than the Gd@C82 samples in vivo and suggested that the differences in metabolism and distribution in vivo were caused by the structural differences of the groups on the fullerene cages though there is chemical similarity between C60 and Gd@C82.

Endocytosed nanoparticles hold endosomes and stimulate binucleated cells formation.

BACKGROUND: Nanotechnology developed rapidly in cellular diagnosis and treatment, the endocytic system was an important pathway for targeting cell. In the research of developing macrophages as drug carriers or important therapeutic targets, an interesting phenomenon, internalized nanoparticles induced to form binucleated macrophages, was found although the particles dose did not cause obvious cytotoxicity. RESULTS: Under 25 µg/ml, internalized 30 nm polystyrene beads(30 nm Ps nanoparticles) induced the formation of binucleated macrophages when they entered into endosomes via the endocytic pathway. These internalized 30 nm Ps nanoparticles (25 µg/ml) and 30 nm Au-NPs (1.575 ng/ml) also induced markedly rise of binucleated cell rates in A549, HePG-2 and HCT116. This endosome, aggregated anionic polystyrene particles were dispersed and bound on inner membrane, was induced to form a large vesicle-like structure (LVLS). This phenomenon blocked transport of the particles from the endosome to lysosome and therefore restricted endosomal membrane trafficking through the transport vesicles. Early endosome antigen-1 and Ras-related protein-11 expressions were upregulated; however, the localized distributions of these pivotal proteins were altered. We hypothesized that these LVLS were held by the internalized and dispersed particles decreasing the amount of cell membrane available to support the completion of cytokinesis. In addition, altered distributions of pivotal proteins prevented transfer vesicles from fusion and hampered the separation of daughter cells. CONCLUSIONS: 30 nm Ps nanoparticles induced formation of LVLS, blocked the vesicle transport in endocytic system and the distributions of regular proteins required in cytokinesis which led to binucleated cells of macrophages. Markedly raised binucleated rate was also observed in human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line(A549), human hepatoma cell line(HePG-2) and human colorectal cancer cell line(HCT116) treated by 30 nm Ps nanoparticles and Au-NPs.

Molecular mechanism of pancreatic tumor metastasis inhibition by Gd@C82(OH)22 and its implication for de novo design of nanomedicine.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most lethal of the solid tumors and the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related death in North America. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have long been targeted as a potential anticancer therapy because of their seminal role in angiogenesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation of tumor survival and invasion. However, the inhibition specificity to MMPs and the molecular-level understanding of the inhibition mechanism remain largely unresolved. Here, we found that endohedral metallofullerenol Gd@C(82)(OH)(22) can successfully inhibit the neoplastic activity with experiments at animal, tissue, and cellular levels. Gd@C(82)(OH)(22) effectively blocks tumor growth in human pancreatic cancer xenografts in a nude mouse model. Enzyme activity assays also show Gd@C(82)(OH)(22) not only suppresses the expression of MMPs but also significantly reduces their activities. We then applied large-scale molecular-dynamics simulations to illustrate the molecular mechanism by studying the Gd@C(82)(OH)(22)-MMP-9 interactions in atomic detail. Our data demonstrated that Gd@C(82)(OH)(22) inhibits MMP-9 mainly via an exocite interaction, whereas the well-known zinc catalytic site only plays a minimal role. Steered by nonspecific electrostatic, hydrophobic, and specific hydrogen-bonding interactions, Gd@C(82)(OH)(22) exhibits specific binding modes near the ligand-specificity loop S1', thereby inhibiting MMP-9 activity. Both the suppression of MMP expression and specific binding mode make Gd@C(82)(OH)(22) a potentially more effective nanomedicine for pancreatic cancer than traditional medicines, which usually target the proteolytic sites directly but fail in selective inhibition. Our findings provide insights for de novo design of nanomedicines for fatal diseases such as pancreatic cancer.

Biocompatible and flexible graphene oxide/upconversion nanoparticle hybrid film for optical pH sensing.

Free-standing optical hybrid film which is composed of positively-charged polyethylenimine-coated NaYF4:Yb,Er nanoparticles and negatively-charged graphene oxide (GO) has been developed to measure pH based on the pH-dependent luminescence quenching effect caused by GO. The isothermal titration calorimetry analyses indicate that the interaction between GO and NaYF4:Yb,Er nanoparticles becomes stronger with increasing pH, leading to a more significant fluorescence quenching of NaYF4:Yb,Er nanoparticles at high pH values. The excellent mechanical properties of the hybrid film endow the thin-film pH sensor with better repeatability and higher stability during the measurements. Quantitatively, the upconversion luminescence intensity of the hybrid film exhibits a linear trend over the pH range of 5.00-8.00. Because of excitation with a 980 nm laser, as expected, the hybrid film sensor is also sensitive to the urine measurements with reduced background absorption. In addition to its good biocompatibility, our free-standing hybrid film sensor would be a promising candidate for biological, medical, and pharmaceutical applications.

Toxicological properties of nanomaterials.

The development of engineered nanomaterials opens tremendous opportunities for their application as therapeutic and diagnostic tools, as well as in the fields of consumer products. As the newly developed material subtype, they exhibit great activities for the high ratio of surface to total atoms. In the bio-system, the activity can render nanomaterials some negative outcomes for their unexpected deposition in organs and cells, the cellular response to the exogenous substance and the interfacial reaction with biomolecules. In this review, we have discussed the evolution of nanotoxicology studies in the past ten years mainly emerging from our laboratory. The early in vivo studies mainly focused on the biokinetic of inhaled nanoparticles and their impacts on mammal tissues, such as the central nervous system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system and so on. Then the scope extended to engineered nanomaterials used as food additives and medicines, as well as their influence on alimentary and reproductive systems. In vitro experiments to study the nanoparticle-cell interaction and nanoparticle-biomolecule interplay are indispensable to reveal the mechanisms behind the macroscopic phenomenon. In addition, novel tools such as new model organisms and synchrotron radiation-based techniques are used to facilitate our understanding of the toxicology profile of nanomaterials.

Gd@C82(OH)22 nanoparticles constrain macrophages migration into tumor tissue to prevent metastasis.

Macrophages can be recruited to tumor tissues and play a supportive role in the invasion microenvironment. Since nanoparticles can be easily endocytosed by this kind of cell, the advances in nanotechnology offer a new sight to target macrophages in tumor tissues for diminishing harmful phenotypes. In the xenograft mouse model, we found that metallofullerol Gd@C82(OH)22 can not only reduced the macrophage density in the tumor tissue, but also decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 produced by this kind of cell. To verify the phenomenon, a macrophage cell line, RAW264.7 was employed in the experiment, in vivo. Gd@C82(OH)22 nanoparticles can be engulfed by macrophages and the quantity was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Fluorescent staining result showed that the particle induced the cells to adopt an elongated spindle morphology. The morphology alteration implied that the cells undergo mesenchymal migration, which is assisted by matrix metalloproteinase-9 to break down the extracellular matrix. But the reverse transcription PCR and western blots results indicated that the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 was reduced after the treatment of Gd@C82(OH)22. Thus, transwell migration assay indicated that macrophages were constrained to migrate through the collagen matrix.

Regulation on mechanical properties of collagen: enhanced bioactivities of metallofullerol.

Increased mechanical property of extracellular matrix (ECM) around tumor tissue is highly correlated to the progression of cancer, and now its efficient regulation is still a challenge. Here, we report that Gd@C82(OH)22-collagen composites greatly suppress the malignant progression of cancer cells in vitro, and the metallofullerol can efficiently reduce the mechanical property of collagen matrix. Further study indicates that Gd@C82(OH)22 can firmly bind to tropocollagen, facilitate the nuclei and microfibril formation. The interference to interactions among tropocollagens leads to decreased amount and disturbed structure of collagen fibers. C60(OH)24, the fullerol counterpart of Gd@C82(OH)22, is studied in parallel and their impacts on collagen are strikingly modest. The comparison data reveals that the enhanced bioactivity of Gd@C82(OH)22 is highly related with its surface-structure. This study is the first attempt to apply nanomedicines to manipulate the biophysical property of collagen matrix, providing a new sight to target ECM in cancer therapy. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR: Increased presence of "harder" collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM) around the tumor tissue highly correlates with cancer progression. In this paper, a metallofullerol-based approach is reported as an efficient nanotechnology approach in reducing the mechanical properties of the synthesized collagen, paving the way to the development of novel anti-cancer therapies.