Does C fullerene act as a transporter of small aromatic molecules?

C fullerene is reported to directly interact with biomolecules, such as aromatic mutagens or anticancer drugs. Therefore, it is extensively studied for its potential application in the fields of drug delivery and chemoprevention. Understanding the nature of fullerene-drugs interactions might contribute to optimization and modification of the existing chemotherapy systems. Possible interactions between ICR-191, a model acridine mutagen, with well-established biophysical properties and mutagenic activity, and C fullerene aqueous solution were investigated by broad range of biophysical methods, such as Dynamic Light Scattering, Isothermal Titration Calorimetry, and Atomic Force Microscopy. Additionally, to determine biological activity of ICR-191-C fullerene mixtures, Ames mutagenicity test was employed. It was demonstrated that C fullerene interacts non-covalently with ICR-191 and has strong affinity to bacterial membranes. The obtained results provide practical insight into C fullerene interactions with aromatic compounds.