# 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.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.2.4 Bulk and surface properties including nanoparticles (Chem only) · Explain · 4 marks

> Fullerenes are hollow, cage-like nanoparticles made from carbon atoms. Researchers are investigating their use as drug-delivery vehicles.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Fullerenes are hollow / have a hollow shape / cage-like structure that can trap / contain drug molecules inside
2. Nanoparticles are very small (1–100 nm) / of the order of a few hundred atoms, so they can enter / pass into cells
3. Nanoparticles have a large surface area to volume ratio compared to the same material in bulk
4. 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

- [fullerenes](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/fullerenes)
- [nanoparticles](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/nanoparticles)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/carbon-nanoparticles-called-fullerenes-have-many-e44a0965) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.