Stimuli-Responsive Water-Soluble Fullerene (C60) Polymeric Systems

This review documents the advances in stimuli-responsive water-soluble fullerene (C60) polymeric systems. Stimuli-responsive polymers, when grafted onto C60 impart smart and responsive characteristics, and these novel materials adopt various morphologies when subjected to external stimuli, such as pH, temperature, and salt. Various synthetic approaches for producing C60-polymers are outlined and discussed. The responsive behavior, water solubility, and self-assembly characteristics of these C60-polymers make them attractive for applications such as drug delivery, temperature sensors, and personal care.