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A common method used to produce fullerenes is to send a large current between two nearby graphite electrodes in an inert atmosphere. The resulting carbon plasma arc between the electrodes cools into sooty residue from which many fullerenes can be isolated.
== Possible dangers ==
Although buckyballs have been thought in theory to be relatively inert, a presentation given to the [[American Chemical Society]] in [[March]] [[2004]] and described in an article in [[New Scientist]] on [[April 3]] [[2004]], suggests the molecule is injurious to organisms. An experiment by Eva Oberdörster at [[Southern Methodist University]], which introduced fullerenes into water at concentrations of 0.5 parts per million, found that [[largemouth bass]] suffered a 17-fold increase in cellular damage in the brain tissue after 48 hours. The damage was of the type [[lipid peroxidation]], which is known to impair the functioning of [[cell membrane]]s. There were also inflammatory changes in the liver and activation of genes related to the making of repair enzymes. At the time of presentation, the SMU work had not been [[peer review]]ed.
==Fullerene extract mixture (C<sub>60</sub>/C<sub>70</sub>) solubility==
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