Nano-C60 and hydroxylated C60: Their impacts on the environment

Abstract

Because of their broad applications, nanoparticles became "the next big thing" throughout the industry. C 60 belongs to a family of fullerenes. With increasing affordability and availability, fullerenes are already used in many consumer products and under extensive studies to be used in more products. As such, there is an increased risk of releasing fullerenes into the environment. C 60 forms colloidal aggregates (nano-C 60 ) upon contact with water, which can interact with biological systems. Some derivatized C 60 can form colloidal aggregates of various sizes in water, depending on the surface chemistry. Recently, there were controversies on the toxicities of water suspensions of fullerenes and their derivatives and the mechanisms underlying their toxicities. Before discussing potential benefits of nanotechnology, it is important to correctly assess the risks and determine the impacts. In this review, we focus on controversies on the toxicities of nano-C 60 and hydroxylated C 60 and their potential risks on biological systems.

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“…While conventional drugs can attack both diseased and healthy cells, nanoparticles can be designed to deliver drugs precisely to the diseased cells, minimizing side effects and increasing the effectiveness of treatment. One example of this is the C60 fullerenes [8,9]. Nanomedicine has the potential to become a cornerstone of minimally invasive treatments.…”

Enhanced water permeability across a physiological droplet interface bilayer doped with fullerenes

“…6 Despite these advantages, fullerenes and their derivatives have raised questions and concerns about their nanotoxicity and environmental impact. [7][8][9] Recent reviews seem to indicate that fullerene is not toxic, but the toxicity of fullerene-derivatives must be determined before use via clinical studies. 8,9 One challenge that limits the usage of fullerene for biomedical applications is its dissolution.…”