Nanoarchitectonics for fullerene biology

In this short review article, we explained nanoarchitectonics approaches from very simple unit compo-nents (fullerenes and their derivatives) to complicated targets (bio-related applications). Application tar-gets described herein are classified into bioimaging, biosensing, drug and gene delivery, photodynamic therapy, and cellular scaffold. Specific features of fullerenes in their electrical, electrochemical, photonic, mechanical and hydrophobic properties provide unique opportunities in these applications. Complexa-tion of fullerenes with drugs often leads to better water dispersibility and target delivery. Photoelectro-chemical properties are well used in various usages such as bioimaging, biosensing, and photodynamic therapy. Their supramolecular assemblies such as fullerene vesicles and fullerene nanowhiskers exhibit useful functions in drug/gene delivery and cell cultures with differentiation controls. From simple zero-dimensional fullerenes themselves to microscopic assembles, various types of functional fullerene mate-rials are widely used for biological and biomedical applications. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Fullerenes and their derivatives are widely used in biological and biomedical applications, including bioimaging, biosensing, drug and gene delivery. Their unique properties in electrical, electrochemical, photonic, mechanical, and hydrophobic aspects provide opportunities for these applications.