Applications of Fullerence

Antioxidants

Fullerenes can make excellent antioxidants, this property can be attributed to the large number of conjugated double
bonds they possess and a very high electron affinity of these molecules (due to low energy of the unoccupied molecular
orbital). Fullerenes can react with a number of radicals before being consumed. A single C60 molecule can interact with up
to 34 methyl radicals before being used up. That is why, these molecules are also known as the 'world's most efficient
radical scavengers' or 'radical sponge'. Perhaps, one of the major advantages of using these molecules as an antioxidant is
that these can be localized within the cell.

These molecules also act as effective cytoprotectors against the ultraviolet A irradiation. These bind to the Reactive Oxygen
Species (ROS) and prevent damage to cells. A water soluble derivative C60 with polyvinylpyrrolidone or Radical Sponge is
usually added to cosmetics. This prevents skin damage and premature aging of the skin without any side effects. The
biggest advantage of this molecule is that it is readily absorbed by the intact skin. Fullerene molecules also prevent lipid
peroxidation by scavenging peroxy radicals, and thus, prevent cell cytotoxicity related with them.

Antiviral Agents

Fullerenes have grabbed quite a bit of attention due to their potential as antiviral agents. Perhaps the most exciting aspect
of this may be their ability to suppress the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and thus, delay the onset
of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Dendrofullerene 1 and Derivative 2, trans isomer have been seen to inhibit
the HIV protease, and thus, prevent replication of HIV 1. Bivalent metal derivatives of amino acid derivatives of fullerene,
like C60-1-Ala, are also seen to be active against HIV and human cytomegalovirus replication. These molecules are usually
inserted in the hydrophobic domains of proteins (binding site of protease in HIV).

Another target for amino acid derivative of fullerene is the reverse transcriptase in HIV, these molecules are seen to be
more active than the non nucleoside analog inhibitors usually used. Cationic fullerene derivatives are antibacterial and
antiproliferative in nature. Most fullerene derivatives can inhibit hepatitis C virus.

Water insoluble derivatives of fullerene show antiviral activities against enveloped viruses, when vesicular stomatitis virus is
incubated with fullerene derivatives under visible light, it loses its infectivity. This can be attributed to the generation of
singlet oxygen (more details will be discussed later).

Drug Delivery and Gene Delivery

Drug delivery is the proper transportation of a pharmaceutical compound to its site of action, whereas gene delivery is the
introduction of foreign DNA into cells to bring about a desired effect. It is therefore of utmost importance to deliver these
molecules with safety and great efficacy. Fullerenes are a class of inorganic carriers, these molecules are preferred as they
show good bio compatibility, greater selectivity, retain the biological activity, and are small enough to be diffused. DNA
sequences are attached to the amino acid derivatives of fullerene. These sequences detach from their carrier with the loss
or denaturation of the amino groups. Biochemical studies have shown greater protective abilities of these derivatives as
compared to the traditional vector used.

Fullerenes can be used in the delivery of hydrophobic drugs. In fact, these carriers are used in the slow release of these
hydrophobic drugs in the system. A significant anticancer activity has been observed for C 60-paclitaxel conjugate. An
additional benefit is that they can easily diffuse through intact skin―a fullerene-based peptide has demonstrated the ability
to penetrate via skin.
Photosensitizers in Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a form of therapy of using non-toxic light sensitive compound which, when exposed to light,
becomes toxic. This is used to target altered and malignant cells. Fullerenes are usually used as these compounds.
Fullerenes get excited upon irradiation, when these molecules return to ground state, they give off energy that splits the
oxygen present to generate singlet oxygen, which can be cytotoxic in nature.

In the presence of electron donors, fullerenes are converted to C60- radicals (fullerenes are excellent acceptors of
electrons). These radical anions transfer electrons to oxygen molecules and convert them to anionic superoxide and
hydroxyl radicals. These radicals damage the DNA and may bring about cell death. Sometimes, certain fullerenes form
conjugates with proteins and DNA, this has a potential application in developing certain anticancer therapy as well.

The highly water-soluble C60-N vinylpyrrolidone copolymer is used as an agent for photodynamic therapy.

➡ In metalofullerenes, like Gadofullerene, metals such as gadolinium, lithium, calcium, etc., are inserted in the cage of C60.
These molecules are used as contrast agents in X-ray and MRI imaging as these molecules have a long spin relaxation times
and some exceptional spin properties.

Other Applications

Solar Cells

A polymer-based organic photovoltaic cell may be the answer to finding an economical and lightweight medium for the
conversion of solar energy. These solar cells basically work by transfer of electrons from a material that gets excited when
irradiated with light (known as the donor). This electron in its excited state is taken by an acceptor molecule, which is
transferred further to the electrode. Fullerenes, due to their high electron affinity and ability to transfer these electrons,
make excellent acceptors. These organic photovoltaic cells are complexes of fullerenes and polymers, and are called bulk
heterojunctions.

Phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) is a common acceptor used in organic solar cells. It usually used in conjunction
with the polymer polythiophene (P3HT) as an electron donor.

In Protective Eye wear

Fullerenes have optical limiting properties. This refers to its ability to decrease the transmittance of light incident to it.
These molecules can therefore be used as an optical limiter that can be used in protective eye wear and sensors. This
optical limiter will only allow the light below a particular threshold to pass through as well as maintain the light being
transmitted at a constant level, much below the intensity that may cause damage to the eye or the sensor.

Hydrogen Gas Storage

The one-of-a-kind molecular structure of fullerenes enables them to hydrogenate and dehydrogenate quite easily. The
carbon rings in fullerene are conjugated with C=C double bonds. On hydrogenation, these bonds can be broken easily giving
rise to C-C single bonds and C-H bonds. When heat is applied to these fullerene hydrides, the C-H bonds break easily to give
back fullerene. This is because the bond strength of C-H is lower as compared to that of C-C. One fullerene molecule can
hold up to 36 hydrogen atoms. The color of hydrogenated fullerenes changes from black to brown, red, orange, and finally,
to yellow as the hydrogen content increases. These molecules hold a promise of better, safer, and more efficient hydrogen
storage devices than the ones that are currently being used.
Hardening Agents

Fullerenes can be the future of developing comparatively lightweight metals with greater tensile strength, without seriously
compromising the ductility of the metal. This can be attributed to the small size and high reactivity due to the sp2
hybridization of the carbon. This enables dispersion strengthening metal matrix by interaction of the fullerenes and the
metals. A 30% increase in the hardness of lightweight Ti-24.5AI-17N alloy has been observed with the addition of fullerenes.

➡ Fullerenes are quite similar in structure to diamonds. Recently, Argonne National Laboratories and MER Corporation
have demonstrated the conversion of fullerenes into diamonds with minor rearrangement of the atoms. These fullerenes
can be used as a substitute for diamond films required in various electronic devices.

Currently, studies are underway to look into the potential use of fullerenes in sensors as well in development of molecular
conductors. Perhaps, the greatest practical application of these molecules, at this time, may be in the cosmetic industries.
Their use in other industries may be limited due the cost of synthesizing these molecules. However, with the aggressive
research on these molecules, we can hope for a cost-effective method for synthesizing molecules to be developed shortly.