Evidence for nuclear internalisation of biocompatible [60]fullerene1)

Abstract

A [60]fullerene derivative has been synthesised that demonstrates the ability to enter the nuclear volume of a variety of mammalian cells. This property is unique and has not been previously observed for other types of fullerene derivatives. This ability may have important implications in its use for biomedical applications, such as non-viral gene therapy and cancer chemotherapy where delivery of active agents to the cell nucleus is desired.