Introduction of Fullerenes into Hydrogels via Formation of Fullerene Nanoparticles

Abstract Hybridization of fullerenes with hydrophilic materials is important for fullerene applications in the fields of biology and medicine. Here, we demonstrate transfer of fullerenes from the cavity of γ‐cyclodextrin to hydrogel substrates. Fullerene C₆₀ or C₇₀ transfers to a gelatin gel substrate at 80 °C or room temperature, respectively. Ultraviolet−visible absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy of the fullerene‐containing gel substrates reveal that formation of fullerene nanoparticles is the key process for smooth transfer of fullerene into an aqueous environment. This method is applicable for transfer of fullerenes into various types of hydrogel substrates, such as agarose and N‐isopropylacrylamide gels.