Probiotics and Fullerenes: A Converging Frontier for Neuroprotection and Gut–Brain Axis Modulation

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) constitute an escalating public health challenge, with rising prevalence and substantial societal and economic burdens. These conditions are characterized by complex and multifactorial mechanisms, including progressive neuronal degeneration, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, chronic neuroinflammation, and alterations in gut microbiota composition. C₆₀ fullerenes, owing to their exceptional antioxidant capacity, membrane-interacting properties, and potential to modulate cellular redox balance, have emerged as promising candidates for neuroprotective nanomedicine. In parallel, probiotics have demonstrated efficacy in regulating the gut–brain axis, enhancing barrier integrity, reducing systemic inflammatory mediators, and influencing neurochemical homeostasis. The integration of fullerene-based nanostructures with targeted probiotic interventions offers a novel, potentially synergistic therapeutic avenue aimed at mitigating neuropathological processes and preserving cognitive and functional capacity.