Inhibition ofE. coli growth by fullerene derivatives and inhibition mechanism

Cationic ammonium fullerene derivatives (C60-bis(N,N-dimethylpyrrolidinium iodide) and C60-bis(N-methylpiperazinium iodide)) suppressedE. coli growth, whereas an anionic derivative (C60-dimalonic acid) did not. Both cationic derivatives inhibitedE. coli dioxygen consumption. Inhibition of energy metabolism is concluded to be a mechanism of the growth inhibition effect of fullerene derivatives.