Fullerene-Derivatives as Therapeutic Agents in Respiratory System and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Since the discovery of fullerenes in 1985, this class of spherical or ellipsoid molecules made entirely of carbon atoms has attracted great interest in the biological field because of its unique physical and chemical properties. However, due to the insolubility in polar solvents and the aggregation properties, the biological applications of these molecules have been restricted. To overcome this problem, water-soluble derivatives of fullerenes have been developed. Fullerenes and fullerene-derivatives react readily with electron rich species as radicals, and because of this property they have great potential to be used as antioxidants. Oxidative stress occurs when the cellular production of reactive oxygen species exceeds the capacity of antioxidant defenses within cells. In humans, oxidative stress is associated with the development and progression of several pathologies, including neurodegenerative and pulmonary diseases. This chapter brings together the current understanding of how fullerene-based materials may be used as therapeutic agents and contributes to reduce oxidative stress in respiratory system diseases and neurodegenerative disorders.