Fullerene nanospheres vs nanoellipsoids in Gallus gallus tissue matrix: an ex vivo toxicity study

This study presents a comprehensive ex vivo toxicity comparison between two geometrical forms of fullerenes C60 nanospheres and C70 nanoellipsoids targeting dermal and hepatic tissues of Gallus gallus (chicken). Fullerenes were synthesized using a Chemical Vapor Deposition method and subsequently isolated and purified using Soxhlet extraction and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. The nanostructures were thoroughly characterized via Transmission Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, Zeta Potential Analysis, and Energy Dispersive X-ray to confirm their morphology, functional groups, dispersion stability, and elemental purity. Ex vivo models employing precision-cut skin and liver slices were used to assess cytotoxicity, tissue dystrophy, and functional disruption induced by these nanoparticles. Comparative analysis revealed that C70 nanoellipsoids caused significantly higher structural degradation and cytotoxic effects in both tissue types, as evidenced by LDH assay results, histological abnormalities, and decreased viability in dye exclusion tests. These findings suggest nanotoxicological profiles specific to geometry, highlighting the need for cautious evaluation of fullerene-based materials for cosmetic and biomedical applications.