The Effects of Buckminster Fullerenes on Mitochondrial Function

not to exceed 150 words): Since the discovery of Buckminster Fullerenes (C60), hours have been devoted to the study of this carbon nanoparticle. C60 has been investigated in such applications as photodynamic therapy of cancer, photovoltaic cells, semiconductors, and enzyme inhibition. Despite two decades of research, the biological effects of C60 remain a mystery. The intention of this study is to examine the effects of Buckminster Fullerenes on mitochondrial function to determine the concentration of C60 as well as the time frame of exposure that cause maximum dysfunction. Bovine heart mitochondria will be exposed to different doses of C60 and tested for the ability to respire normally. To demonstrate that C60 dosages result in varying effects on mitochondrial function, two mitochondrial enzymes will be measured. Hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation will be measured as indicators of oxidative stress and membrane oxidation. The results will contribute to the growing field of nanotoxicology.