Harnessing cosmic carbon: anaerobic microbial responses to fullerenes under early Earth conditions.

ABSTRACT: Fullerenes of extra-terrestrial origin may have been accessible as carbon sources for anaerobic microorganisms on the early Earth. Very little is known about how anaerobic microorganisms respond to and use fullerenes and their soluble derivatives. We present an investigation into the effects of fullerenes C₆₀ and C₇₀ and their hydroxylated fullerol derivatives on an environmentally relevant anaerobic community and a microbial isolate. Fullerenes and fullerols irradiated with 254 nm UV radiation for 2 weeks in the absence of oxygen to simulate UV irradiation under anoxia on early Earth were also assessed. The anaerobic community could grow using glucose in the presence of C₆₀ up to 500 mg/mL without inhibitory effects on growth. Concentrations of C₇₀

SUBMITTER: Bethune E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12360298 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature