Fullerenes

Fullerenes consist of fused five- and six-membered carbon rings connected by single and double bonds forming spherical, elliptical, or tubular structures. Intensive studies revealed their unique properties, e.g. nanometeric size, tensile strength, thermal/photo conductivity as well as drug loading and delivery capabilities highlighting their potential use in diverse branches as materials science, cosmetics, and biotech. Polyhydroxylated fullerenes, named fullerenols, benefit of improved solubility.

Functionalized fullerenes allow facile conjugation to other (bio-)molecules expanding their range of applications.