Fullerenes in Sports: A New Direction in Exercise Biomedicine

dr hab. Ewa Kłodzińska, prof. WSIiZ

dr n. med. Krzysztof Gojdź

Introduction

Recent years have seen a dynamic development in research on the application of nanotechnology in various fields, including sports and medicine. In particular, fullerenes, unique carbon structures, are beginning to attract the attention of scientists and athletes as a potential tool for improving physical performance and supporting body regeneration. Thanks to their unique chemical properties, fullerenes are becoming a promising field in exercise biomedicine, opening up new perspectives for athletes striving to achieve better results.

Competitive sports involve extreme metabolic, physiological, and psychological demands. Athletes and coaches aim not only to improve performance but also to maximize recovery efficiency, resistance to oxidative stress, and injury prevention. In this context, there is growing interest in the use of nanomaterials with antioxidant properties, such as fullerenes, to support the body during intense physical exertion.

 Fullerenes – Structure, Properties, and Bioavailability

Fullerenes (e.g., C₆₀, C₇₀) are carbon allotropes with a closed-cage structure composed solely of carbon atoms. The most recognized variant, [60]fullerene (C₆₀), resembles a soccer ball composed of 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons. Thanks to their extensive π-electron system, fullerenes act as powerful radical scavengers. While inherently hydrophobic, they can be chemically modified (hydroxylation, carboxylation) to improve water solubility and bioavailability.

In biomedical contexts, AURONN® represents a pharmaceutical-grade, high-purity fullerene C60 powder, designed for enhanced absorption and safe oral use in sports and recovery supplementation

Oxidative Stress and Performance Decline

Intense physical activity increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), primarily due to increased mitochondrial respiration, phagocyte activation (e.g., neutrophils and macrophages), muscle microtrauma and inflammatory response.

Excess ROS damages cell membranes (lipid peroxidation), enzymatic proteins, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. This leads to reduced endurance, slower recovery, and increased risk of overtraining or injury.

Fig. 1. Mechanism of neutralization of free radicals

Fullerenes, including AURONN®, demonstrate:

• ROS and RNS scavenging capacity (e.g., O₂⁻, •OH, NO, ONOO⁻),
• Cellular structure stabilization,
• Reduction in biomarkers of oxidative DNA and lipid damage (e.g., 8-OHdG, MDA).

 Muscle Recovery and Anti-Inflammatory Action

Any physical activity induces micro-injuries and an inflammatory response (cytokines: IL-6, TNF-α). Fullerenes, on the other hand, inhibit the expression of NF-κB, COX-2, and proinflammatory mediators, limit neutrophil degranulation, and reduce serum CRP and cytokine levels. This will alleviate delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), shorten recovery time, and protect muscles and joints.

Fig. 2. Anti-inflammatory effect of preparations containing fullerenes.

Mitochondria, ATP Synthesis, and Fatigue Delay

Mitochondria play a central role in aerobic energy production. Under oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage impairs ATP synthesis.. Fullerenes stabilize the mitochondrial membrane, reduce ROS production in the respiratory chain, and support ATP synthesis. Research indicates that C₆₀ increases exercise tolerance and prolongs time to exhaustion, particularly in endurance sports.

Telomere Protection and Genetic Stability

 Accelerated telomere shortening is observed in competitive athletes, which is associated with chronic oxidative stress, insufficient regeneration, and impaired telomerase activity. Fullerene-based preparations, including AURONN®, protect DNA from oxidative damage (e.g., 8-oxoG), stabilize telomere structure, and may indirectly activate telomerase by reducing ROS. C60 supplementation has been shown to improve oxygen efficiency and delay fatigue onset—particularly beneficial for endurance athletes. Telomere shortening is accelerated in athletes exposed to chronic oxidative stress and insufficient recovery. This process is associated with cellular aging, inflammation, and impaired regeneration.

This teloprotective action may support long-term performance and cellular youth in athletes.

 Safety and the AURONN® Supplement

AURONN® is a preparation containing pure, biological fullerene powder, obtained by sublimation, without the addition of heavy metals or organic solvents. It is safe in doses up to 1 mg/kg, is non-mutagenic, and does not cause organ toxicity.

Practical Use of AURONN® for Athletes

Fig. 3 Who is the C60 for?

Target groups:

• Endurance athletes (triathletes, cyclists, marathon runners),
• Strength athletes (bodybuilders, CrossFit),
• Combat sports professionals,
• Athletes recovering from overtraining or injuries.

Benefits:

• Enhanced recovery and reduced DOMS,
• Improved aerobic capacity and mitochondrial function,
• Reduced systemic inflammation,
• Increased genetic and cellular stability.

Conclusions and Perspectives

Fullerenes, and AURONN® in particular, open a new direction in sports biomedicine. Their ability to neutralize oxidative stress, support mitochondria, protect telomeres, and counteract inflammation may find applications not only in improving athletic performance but also in preventing overtraining and premature cellular aging. However, further clinical studies involving athletes in training and competition settings are necessary.

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