C(60)-Fullerenes: detection of intracellular photoluminescence and lack of cytotoxic effects

We have developed a new method of application of C(60 )to cultured cells that does not require water-solubilization techniques. Normal and malignant cells take-up C(60 )and the inherent photoluminescence of C(60 )is detected within multiple cell lines. Treatment of cells with up to 200 μg/ml (200 ppm) of C(60 )does not alter morphology, cytoskeletal organization, cell cycle dynamics nor does it inhibit cell proliferation. Our work shows that pristine C(60 )is non-toxic to the cells, and suggests that fullerene-based nanocarriers may be used for biomedical applications.