Water-Soluble Anionic C60-Fullerene Derivatives as Antidotes for HG(II) Ions in Tests on Escherichia Coli Cells

Abstract

Three water-soluble C₆₀-fullerene derivatives functionalized by anionic adducts of various chemical compositions and structures were prepared in highly specific reactions of chlorofullerene C₆₀Cl₆. Hybrid metal-organic complexes formed and aggregated in several instances in aqueous solution in the presence of stoichiometric (1:1 by moles) amounts of synthesized C₆₀-fullerene derivatives and Hg(II) ions. The bioavailability of Hg(II) ions for Escherichia coli cells was reduced by such a reaction and manifested as decreased toxicity for strain E. coli K12 TG1 pF1 or weakened protective reactions of strain E. coli K12 MG1655 pMerA'::lux. The most pronounced protective effect was recorded for the C₆₀-fullerene derivative functionalized by S-containing adducts of general formula –S(CH₂)₁₀CO₂K with antidote activity comparable with that of the pharmacopoeial preparation Unithiol.