Buckminsterfullerene, also known as C60, has long been the subject of study by scientists. It was originally discovered as the by-product of an experiment by Sir Harry Kroto, Richard Smalley, and Bob Curl. The discovery resulted in a Nobel Prize in 1996. Scientists originally thought that the molecule could only be created in a lab, but some wondered, “is C60 naturally occurring?”
Is C60 Naturally Occurring?
Buckminsterfullerene occurs in nature more commonly than any other type of fullerene. Naturally, C60 has been found in interstellar space in the debris of dying stars and planetary nebulae. Soot also contains small amounts of the compound. The ionized form of C60 has been detected in the interstellar medium and as the carrier of multiple diffuse interstellar bands. While food products contain C60, the compound does not naturally occur in many foods.
What Is Naturally Occurring C60?
Naturally occurring C60 is a carbon compound consisting of up to 60 carbon molecules. It has the appearance of a hollow cage that is shaped like a soccer ball. C60 has been researched for numerous industrial, medical, and scientific purposes. Its shape and stability have made it useful for delivering drugs or genes in cell and animal studies. It is this shape that gives the compound unique properties. Additionally, the small size of the molecules allows Carbon 60 to access individual components of cells, which may have applications for nanomedicine and nanotechnology.
What Is the History of C60?
Theoretical predictions about the existence of buckminsterfullerene molecules were made in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The compound was first created in a lab in 1984 by vaporizing carbon in a supersonic helium beam with a laser. The feat was repeated in 1985 by Harold Kroto, James Heath, Sean O’Brien, Robert Curl, and Richard Smalley, who were the first to recognize the structure of C60.
The team was inspired to use a laser on graphite to generate fullerenes by the work of astrophysicists who were studying the infrared emissions of giant red carbon stars. The team used a laser vaporization technique to manufacture carbon clusters that they thought may emit infrared on the same wavelength as the red carbon star. They later used this same process on graphite to create fullerenes.
Physicists discovered optical absorptions in soot that had been produced by an arc process between two graphite electrodes in a helium atmosphere in 1989. The IR spectra of the soot displayed four discrete bands that were very similar to those associated with C60.
Another paper based on the 1989 research was published in 1990 that detailed the collection of a benzene soluble material and an evaporable. The methods used in this study provided a means of simply and efficiently producing C60, which made possible the creation of a field for studying fullerenes.
What Are the Uses of C60?
The hollow structure has been utilized in research as a cage to prevent HIV from replicating. It is also believed that the compound’s antioxidant properties may help eliminate free radicals that can cause cellular damage in the human body.
C60 has been used to manufacture supplements, such as C60 in olive oil, and beauty products, such as anti-aging serums and creams. C60 may also have technological uses due to its optical absorption properties that match the solar spectrum to make the compound useful for photovoltaic applications.
What Are the Benefits of Using C60?
There are numerous potential benefits of using C60 products.
Longer Lifespan
Research suggests that the use of Carbon 60 products may increase lifespan because it aids cell growth and strengthens vital body systems. The compound’s antioxidant properties may protect cells from free radicals that may play a role in diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Parkinson’s disease.
Stronger Immune System
Your immune system helps protect you from bacteria and viruses. Carbon 60 supplements may help strengthen the immune system and make it more efficient at fighting off infections and illnesses.
Protection From Harmful UV Rays
The structure of the C60 molecule may provide it with properties that can be used to combat the harmful effects of UV rays. Studies suggest that it could have applications for helping cancer patients recover from the side effects of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Stronger Bones and Cartilage
Osteoporosis is a disease that commonly affects people as they age, resulting in weaker bones and increased fracture risk. Research suggests that using C60 products may help strengthen cartilage and bone and guard against bone density loss.
Reduced Cancer Risk
Tumors form when cells grow and divide faster than the body can compensate for. The antioxidant properties of C60 may help prevent cells from reproducing at high rates.
Reduced Joint Inflammation
Studies have shown that the unique molecular structure of Carbon 60 may reduce inflammation in joints caused by arthritis and other disorders. Reducing inflammation may provide some pain relief for people who have these conditions.
Clearer Complexion
The antioxidant effects of Carbon 60 may help reduce acne and provide a more even skin tone. It may also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Less Fat Accumulation
Research has indicated that C60 supplementation may reduce fat accumulation in the body. Reducing fat accumulation may be particularly useful for areas where fatty tissue develops at higher rates, such as the thighs and stomach.
Improved Brain Health and Function
Studies on C60 have indicated that the compound may have applications in restoring declining brain function due to Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Because C60 molecules are nootropics, they may help regenerate new neurons to replace neurons damaged by injury, age, or disease.
Increased Hair Growth
Hairloss in women and men can be caused by genetics, medications, or underlying medical conditions. Hair loss occurs when hair follicles no longer produce new hair. Hair loss usually happens as people get older and cells are not replaced and repaired as efficiently. C60 supplements may help stimulate hair follicles to produce new hair growth.
Increased Energy and Better Sleep
Many users of C60 in olive oil have reported higher energy levels and enhanced sleep after taking the supplement.
Better Athletic Performance
Athletes who have taken C60 supplements report improved sports performance, increased strength, and better motivation.
Can C60 Increase Lifespan?
A 2012 study by Tarek Baati, Fanchon Bourasset, Lelia Njim, Abdelhamid Kerkeni, Najla Gharbi, Fathi Moussa, and Henri Szwarc found that Wistar rats that were given 1ml of C60 in olive oil had a 90% longer lifespan than rats that were given 1ml of water. This study shows promise for the ability of C60 supplements to affect lifespan; however, human studies are needed to determine whether humans can enjoy the same sort of lifespan increases.
Are There Any Risks to Using C60?
Carbon 60 is sensitive to light. Too much light exposure can cause it to degrade. Because of this, manufacturers must produce, bottle, and store C60 products without exposing them to too much light. C60 supplements that have been dissolved in water or olive oil are nontoxic, as long as they are not overexposed to sunlight.
What Is Naturally Occurring C60 Made Of?
Naturally occurring C60 consists of 60 carbon molecules that form 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons. The combination of these hexagons and pentagons gives the compound its distinctive soccer ball shape. Carbon is a part of all life forms and has been widely studied. However, because carbon molecules link together, substances constructed of carbon can look completely different.
How Is C60 Manufactured?
Because naturally occurring C60 is found only in small quantities, Carbon 60 used to produce supplements, such as C60 in olive oil, is manufactured in a lab. Syththasized Carbon 60 is produced by laser ablation of graphite or pyrolysis of aromatic hydrocarbons. Organic solvents and a Soxhlet extractor are then used to extract fullerenes from the soot produced by this process. The solution extracted through this process may be composed of up to 75% C60. It also contains other types of fullerenes. The Carbon 60 is separated from the rest of the solution using chromatography. The fullerenes are then dissolved in a hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon and separated with alumina columns.
Can You Buy Naturally Occurring C60?
Outside the scientific community, you are unlikely to find either naturally occurring C60 or lab-manufactured C60 on its own. However, you can purchase Carbon 60 added to supplements and beauty products from companies, such as SES Research.
In the past 30 years, SES Research has become one of the world’s top manufacturers and suppliers of Carbon Fullerenes. We carry a full line of C60 products, including olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil. We even have an olive oil product for your pets. Contact us today to ask a question or order a product. Our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you.
Is C60 Naturally Occurring and Where Does It Come From? | SES Research – Houston, TX