Due to their efficient production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under visible light irradiation, fullerenes (C₆₀ and C₇₀) are useful photosensitizers for applications in photodynamic therapy (PDT). To be suitable as medicines, water-soluble fullerene materials were developed by complexation or conjugation with biocompatible polymers such as poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), and their ROS generation abilities were investigated. In addition, a C₆₀-tripod molecule was synthesized for the modification of AFM tips and used for spatially and temporally controlled oxidative damage of DNA origami immobilized on the surface.
