The soccer ball-shaped nanoparticle called a buckyball has been found to have a new biological function: it has the ability to block allergic response.

Buckyballs, or fullerenes, are nanoparticles containing 60 carbon atoms. Due to their unique structure, inertness and stability, researchers from a number of scientific fields have been investigating the tiny, Hollow carbon cages to serve a variety of functions. In this study, researchers modified the buckyballs so that they were compatible with water.

The findings, by Virginia Commonwealth University and Luna Innovations Inc. (a private, Roanoke, Va., research company) are the first to show that buckyballs are able to block allergic response in human cell culture experiments, thereby setting the stage for the development of new allergy therapies.

The researchers found that the unique structure of the buckyball enables it to bind to free radicals dramatically better than any anti-oxidant currently available, such as vitamin E. Free radicals are molecules that cause oxidative stress, which experts believe may be the basis of aging.

According to Chris Kepley, Ph.D., M.B.A., assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology at the VCU School of Medicine:

"This discovery is exciting because it points to the possibility that these novel materials can one day lead to new therapies.

Researchers in many fields are aware of the potential fullerenes have, however, we are the first to show they can turn off the allergic response and basic immune reactions.

The immune system both protects us and causes harm, so we are always interested in finding new pathways to help manage the harmful effects," said Kepley."

Findings were published online in the June 19 issue of the Journal of Immunology and will appear in the July 1 print issue of the journal.

Find more details from the full report.

[Photo Credit: YDAE-Purdue University]