Development of fullerene nanospherical miRNA and application in overcoming resistant breast cancer

Antiresistant strategy for cancer therapy remains a critical issue to be solved. Herein, we describe a fullerene nanospherical miRNA (C60@SiO2-miR27b) for overcoming resistant breast cancer. The fullerene nanospherical miRNA is chemically synthesized, is able to deliver miR27b into resistant cancer cells, escapes from lysosomes, and releases miR27b into cytoplasm. Under the combination use of light irradiation (365 nm) with paclitaxel, it demonstrates a robust killing effect, inducing apoptosis effect, suppressing invasion, and anticancer efficacy. The action mechanism can be explained by the effective phagocytosis, releasing miR27b into the cytoplasm, forming miRNA-induced silencing complex in acting effect of miRNA interference, and generating reactive oxygen species in conducting photodynamic therapy. In conclusion, fullerene nanospherical miRNA can be used as an adjuvant therapy agent for overcoming resistant breast cancer, and the study also offers a universal fullerene nanoplatform for delivering gene drugs.