Carbon nanoparticles called fullerenes have many potential uses in medicine. Explain why fullerenes are considered useful as a method of delivering drug molecules to specific cells inside the body.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Fullerenes are hollow, cage-like nanoparticles made from carbon atoms. Researchers are investigating their use as drug-delivery vehicles.
Model answer (4 marks)
Fullerenes are hollow, cage‑like nanoparticles that can encapsulate drug molecules inside their cavity.
They are extremely small (1–100 nm) and consist of only a few hundred atoms, allowing them to penetrate cell membranes and reach target cells.
Their nanoscale size gives them a very large surface area to volume ratio, which increases the amount of drug that can be carried per particle.
The high surface area and small size mean the drug is delivered more efficiently to the intended site, improving interaction with target cells and reducing side effects.
They are extremely small (1–100 nm) and consist of only a few hundred atoms, allowing them to penetrate cell membranes and reach target cells.
Their nanoscale size gives them a very large surface area to volume ratio, which increases the amount of drug that can be carried per particle.
The high surface area and small size mean the drug is delivered more efficiently to the intended site, improving interaction with target cells and reducing side effects.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact phrases ‘hollow cage‑like structure’, ‘1–100 nm’, ‘large surface area to volume ratio’, and link each to drug delivery benefits.
- Show the logical sequence: structure → size → surface area → targeted delivery.
- Mention that the small size allows cellular uptake and the large surface area increases drug loading.
- Keep the answer concise – one sentence per point to match the 4 marks.
Common mistakes
- Confusing fullerenes with other carbon nanomaterials such as graphene or carbon nanotubes.
- Failing to mention the size range (1–100 nm) or the large surface area to volume ratio.
- Giving a generic explanation of drug delivery without linking it to the specific properties of fullerenes.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Fullerenes are hollow / have a hollow shape / cage-like structure that can trap / contain drug molecules inside
- Nanoparticles are very small (1–100 nm) / of the order of a few hundred atoms, so they can enter / pass into cells
- Nanoparticles have a large surface area to volume ratio compared to the same material in bulk
- The large surface area to volume ratio / small size means the drug can be delivered more effectively / to a targeted location / increasing the drug's interaction with the target cells
Key terms in this question
Related
- All AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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