Researchers at Southern Federal University are exploring fullerenes, carbon-based nanoparticles formed from 20 or more carbon atoms, as carriers for drugs and as building blocks in broad medical strategies. Their work includes approaches to alcoholic neuropathy, a nerve condition linked to chronic alcohol use. This effort sits within wider attempts to understand how these molecules interact with cell membranes, tissues, and living systems, with the goal of turning their distinct chemistry into practical therapies. The early results align with a common thread in nanomedicine: carbon nanostructures can transport therapeutic payloads while offering tunable release. The research highlights that achieving water solubility, staying stable in body-like conditions, and how these particles engage with biomolecules will shape any path toward clinical use. Federal University.
Back in 2012, a French study claimed that fullerene C60 could nearly double mouse lifespans. Later work could not reproduce the outcome. Scientists at Southern Federal University suggest the mismatch may come from metabolites produced by gut bacteria that alter how much fullerene becomes available in the body. Some microbial compounds seem to increase fullerene dissolution and absorption, while others reduce it. These findings underscore the significant role of the host microbiome in nanomedicine research and stress the need to carefully manage gut biology when evaluating such therapies. The big takeaway is that the biological context plays a major part in how nanoparticles behave in living systems. of Paris researchers and subsequent replication studies.
To tackle these variables, SFU researchers added surfactin, a surface-active lipopeptide produced by Bacillus subtilis, to fullerene formulations. This move broadened possibilities by improving water dispersion and boosting contact with cell membranes. The biosurfactant helps fullerene particles spread more evenly and appears to promote cellular uptake, potentially raising bioavailability. What stands out is that surfactin tends to be far less toxic than many conventional solvents, which could ease safety concerns as the work moves forward. publications, 2024.
Researchers point out that dissolving fullerenes in water remains a major hurdle, and surfactin offers a practical tool to overcome it. The combination dissolves the particles more reliably and seems to enable safer absorption by living cells. When compared with traditional solvents, surfactin’s relative toxicity looks more favorable, which helps clear a path toward medical use while other safety questions are sorted out. safety assessments (2024–2025).
Bringing fullerenes and surfactin together broadens what nanoparticles can do. It points to applications that include targeted drug delivery, photodynamic therapy, and even as a sorbent to remove unwanted substances in biological or environmental settings. by SFU authors.
Experts see a wide horizon for these materials, with work aimed at turning them into actual therapies. The blend of fullerenes and surfactin may enable precise delivery, improve treatment outcomes, and provide new tools for managing disease. and collaborators.
Scientists are developing fullerene derivatives tailored to treat alcoholic neuropathy, seeking neuroprotective benefits while keeping adverse effects in check. studies (2025).
Yet safety concerns remain. In particular, fullerene buildup in the liver after intravenous administration requires thorough study, and long-term safety profiles along with dosing strategies need clarification before any clinical use. analyses from multiple labs.
Finally, reports from Russia describe a device said to outperform MRI and X-ray in some aspects by three to five times. These claims have not gained mainstream scientific consensus, and independent validation is essential before such assertions affect medical practice. reports; independent validation needed.