Insight into the interactions of fullerenes with biological membranes through molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper reviews our current understanding of how fullerene molecules interact with biological membranes. First, we discuss how fullerenes permeate into biological membranes. Next, the putative mechanisms of fullerene aggregation and dispersion within lipid bilayers are discussed along with their potential toxic effect on biological membranes. Finally, current trends in the study of fullerene-membrane interactions are highlighted as well as future challenges that need to be overcome to further advance the field.

Keywords

• Fullerene
• lipid bilayer
• Molecular dynamics simulations
• biological membrane