The Movement of Inhaled Pristine C60 Through the Small Intestine A Biodistribution Study in Rats

Date of Award

2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Walstrom, Katherine

Keywords

Buckminsterfullerene, Fullerene, Nanotubes, C60, Justin Timberlake, Pharmacolimetrics

Area of Concentration

Chemistry

Abstract

Buckminsterfullerene C60, the most abundant and stable of the fullerenes, has since its discovery become a key component in thousands of possible applications in the physical and biological sciences. This focus has led to C60 experiencing a steady increase in production. This has lead to an intense wave of research on the potential implications of its increased environmental presence. This thesis project is a part of an overarching study that focuses on the potential biological harm that airborne C60 particles might pose, using rats as a biological model. More specifically, the goal of this thesis project was to investigate the movement of inhaled C60 particles through the small intestine. It was found that the majority of inhaled C60 particles pass through the small intestine between 2 to 6 hours after exposure, displaying almost total clearance after 24 hours. No acute toxicity was observed at the target dosage level of 5 mg/kg. In addition, no C60 absorption by the epithelial cells of the intestine was observed. As mentioned earlier, this study is just a small piece of the puzzle. Further research is necessary to fully evaluate the biological and environmental ramifications of increased fullerene production.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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