Modified C60 Fullerene Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Variants

A research study published in Small in 2023 by Altube et al. explores a new approach to block SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, using a modified C60 fullerene combined with polyglycerol sulfates. The stud shows that this hybrid material can prevent infection by multiple virus variants in lab tests.

In simple terms, SARS-CoV-2 spreads by attaching to human cells through its spike protein. The researchers created a molecule combining C60 fullerene, a tiny carbon ball that sticks to the virus’s surface, with polyglycerol sulfates, which use electrostatic attraction to block the virus. Together, they stop the virus from infecting cells. Lab tests showed this material effectively inhibited SARS-CoV-2 variants at low concentrations. Further tests and computer simulations confirmed that the fullerene and sulfates bind to the virus’s spike protein near key areas, working together to disrupt infection.

This study highlights C60’s potential against respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2. These findings suggest that modified C60 fullerene could lead to new, broad-acting antiviral treatments, offering a promising tool to combat COVID-19 and similar viruses.

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