Carbon Nanoparticles as Promising Neuroprotectors: Pro et Contra. I. Functionalization and Toxicity

Abstract

Such carbon structures as fullerenes, endofullerenes, nanotubes, nanodiamonds, and graphenes, which were discovered over recent decades, possess a number of unique properties and can become the basis for the design of a new class of neuroprotective agents; however, despite years of research, this has not happened yet. In the first part of the review, the significance of the functionalization of carbon nanoparticles for their use in biology and medicine is described, and the data on their toxicity are also discussed. The second part presents the works of Russian and foreign scientists demonstrating the neuroprotective properties of carbon nanoparticles and the possibilities of their application in neurobiology and neurology. The successful experience of such experiments is described and the existing problems are indicated.

Fullerenes on a Nanodiamond Platform Demonstrate Antibacterial Activity with Low Cytotoxicity

“…However, for use in biology and medicine, water-insoluble fullerenes must be functionalized [ 10 ]. At the same time, functionalization, including the addition of hydrophilic groups, molecules, oligomers, and polymers [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ], must retain the properties and biological activity inherent in fullerenes.…”

“…It is noteworthy that the C60 fullerene possesses the highest quantum yield of singlet oxygen (96%) [7], and the adaptation of microorganisms to chemotherapy when using photodynamic exposure is practically impossible [1,8,9]. However, for use in biology and medicine, water-insoluble fullerenes must be functionalized [10]. At the same time, functionalization, including the addition of hydrophilic groups, molecules, oligomers, and polymers [11][12][13][14], must retain the properties and biological activity inherent in fullerenes.…”