Fullerene Derivatives in Biomedical Applications

Fullerenes are cage-like carbon molecules whose unique spherical geometry and electron-rich π-system render them versatile scaffolds for biomedical innovation. Through covalent or non-covalent functionalisation, fullerene derivatives achieve enhanced solubility in aqueous media, tailored biodistribution and controlled reactivity. Such modifications have led to applications spanning antioxidant therapies, drug and gene delivery platforms, antiviral and antibacterial agents, photodynamic and radiotherapeutic sensitizers, and vaccine adjuvants. In each domain, the capacity of fullerenes to scavenge reactive oxygen species or to present bioactive ligands on a nanoscopic surface has yielded promising in vitro and in vivo results. Current research emphasises biocompatibility, targeted delivery and minimisation of off-target toxicity, with several derivatives advancing towards preclinical evaluation. By bridging fundamental chemistry with translational need, fullerene derivatives hold global significance for combating oxidative stress, improving antimicrobial strategies and enhancing immunogenic responses.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have investigated the neuroprotective and antioxidant properties of C60 fullerene nanoparticles in models of muscle fatigue. Administration of a water-soluble C60 preparation prior to high-frequency stimulation significantly reduced c-Fos expression within lumbar spinal laminae and the central amygdala, indicating attenuated nociceptive signalling. These findings suggest that fullerene pretreatment decreases local free radical generation in fatigued tissue, thereby modulating neural activation pathways. The work offers insight into the mechanism by which fullerene derivatives may confer analgesic or protective benefits in neuromuscular and central nervous system disorders.

Fullerene Derivatives in Biomedical Applications publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in fullerene derivatives in biomedical applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Fullerene: A hollow, spherical molecule composed entirely of carbon atoms arranged in pentagons and hexagons.

Fullerenol: A polyhydroxylated derivative of fullerene that increases water solubility and biocompatibility.

Conjugate: A compound formed by covalently linking a bioactive molecule to a carrier scaffold.

Cytotoxicity: The quality of being toxic to cells, often assessed to determine biocompatibility.

Adjuvant: A substance that enhances the immune response to an antigen in vaccination formulations.

References

1. Biological activity of fullerenes - reality and prospects. Reviews on Clinical Pharmacology and Drug Therapy (2018).
2. Fatigue-induced Fos immunoreactivity within the lumbar cord and amygdala decreases after С60 fullerene pretreatment. Scientific Reports (2020).
3. Novel C60 Fullerenol-Gentamicin Conjugate–Physicochemical Characterization and Evaluation of Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Properties. Molecules (2022).
4. Controlled Decoration of [60]Fullerene with Polymannan Analogues and Amino Acid Derivatives through Malondiamide-Based Linkers. Molecules (2022).