Stable aqueous dispersions of C60 eullerene by the use of a block copolymer

Stable aqueous solutions of C-60 fullerene have been prepared by the use of a well defined block copolymer, namely poly(styrene-b-ethyleneoxide) (PS-b-PEO). The protocol that has been followed involves, in a first step, the co-dissolution of C-60 fullerene and diblock copolymer in toluene, a solvent where formation of micelles with the PEO as the core block is favored. In the second step evaporation of toluene at room temperature takes place. Finally re-dissolution of the formed film in water, with simultaneous inversion of the micellar structure (PS containing C-60 as the core), is achieved. The aggregates prepared in this way have been characterized by dynamic light scattering as well as scanning electron microscopy. All the applied techniques have indicated the formation of at least two kinds of aggregates, of different sizes, that enclose fullerenes in their cores. This protocol allows the preparation of micellar aggregates, with biocompatible coronas, containing C-60 in 1-20% by weight in respect to the PS component.