The applications of buckminsterfullerene C60 and derivatives in orthopaedic research. (April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Qihai; Cui, Quanjun; Li, Xudong Joshua; Jin, Li
• Is Part Of: Connective tissue research. Volume 55:Number 2(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 71
• Page End: 79
• Publication Date: 2014-04
• Subjects: Connective tissues -- Periodicals; 616.770072
• DOI: 10.3109/03008207.2013.877894
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-8207

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Buckminsterfullerene C₆₀ and derivatives have been extensively explored in biomedical research due to their unique structure and unparalleled physicochemical properties. C₆₀ is characterized as a "free radical sponge" with an anti-oxidant efficacy several hundred-fold higher than conventional anti-oxidants. Also, the C₆₀ core has a strong electron-attracting ability and numerous functional compounds with widely different properties can be added to this fullerene cage. This review focused on the applications of C₆₀ and derivatives in orthopaedic research, such as the treatment of cartilage degeneration, bone destruction, intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), vertebral bone marrow disorder, radiculopathy, etc., as well as their toxicity <italic>in vitro</italic> and <italic>in vivo</italic>. We suggest that C₆₀ and derivatives, especially the C₆₀ cores coupled with functional groups presenting new biological and pharmacological activities, are advantageous in orthopaedic research and will be promising in clinical performance for musculoskeletal disorders treatment; however, the pharmacokinetics and toxicology of these agents as local/systemic administration need to be carefully determined.</p> </abstract>