Effects of Fullerene Nanowhiskers on Cells

Purpose: This study investigates the safety of fullerene nanowhiskers (FNWs), a carbon-based nanomaterial, by examining their effects on cell health and gene activity, comparing them to multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and titania nanoparticles.

Findings: FNWs show lower cytotoxicity than MWCNTs and titania nanoparticles. They cause minimal disruption to cell survival and trigger less gene expression changes, indicating weaker cellular impact.

Implications for Consumers and Healthcare Professionals: FNWs appear to be a safer nanomaterial for potential use in medical or consumer products compared to MWCNTs and titania nanoparticles. Their reduced toxicity suggests they may pose fewer risks to human cells, supporting their exploration in applications like drug delivery or medical devices.

Conclusion: This research highlights FNWs as a promising, less harmful nanomaterial, but further studies are needed to confirm their safety for widespread use.

LInk to Study

• Study strengths: None. Not relevant to C60 that would be consumed by humans.
• Study weaknesses: This study uses nanoparticles of C60, not singly dissolved molecules. Nanoparticles of C60 have never been shown to have any health benefits. In fact, nanoparticles of any substance can have negative effects on health. Only singly dissolved molecules of C60 are shown to be beneficial. In this study, C60 particles were sprayed directly into the lungs of rats and inflammation occurred. Eugenol mitigated acute lung but not spermatic toxicity of C60 fullerene emulsion in mice