Nanoarchitectonics for fullerene biology

Abstract In this short review article, we explained nanoarchitectonics approaches from very simple unit components (fullerenes and their derivatives) to complicated targets (bio-related applications). Application targets 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. Complexation of fullerenes with drugs often leads to better water dispersibility and target delivery. Photoelectrochemical 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 materials are widely used for biological and biomedical applications.