Medical Applications
Buckyballs are making quite a stir in the medical world too. Their ability to trap gasses such as helium, and store them, makes them suitable candidates for chemical and biological sponges. For example, when the brain is injured it releases deadly nerve toxins, which can have devastating effects on the brain. Doctors could use them as sponges to soak up all the harmful chemicals surrounding the brain. Then the chemicals would harmlessly pass through the body, without damaging any organs.
1) Researchers have found that buckyballs are a close fit on the site to block the HIV molecules. To put it in a more colorful way, they have found they can stop HIV activity by “plugging in” a buckyball. If this is successful, the possibilities are limitless for other similar applications. Further, since drugs or treatments (i.e. radiation) can actually be put inside a buckyball, it could be used in this way for cancer treatments.