Carbon 60, or C60, has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential health benefits. While the research on this powerful antioxidant is still ongoing, much of what we know today stems from the pioneering work done by the Baati and Paris laboratories. These original studies set forth a precise, methodical process for manufacturing C60 oil that ensures maximum efficacy. In this post, we'll dive into the steps involved in creating high-quality C60 oil and explain why adherence to the original protocol is crucial for achieving the best results.
The Importance of Using 99.95% Pure C60 Powder
The foundation of any high-quality C60 oil product is the raw material itself—Fullerene C60 powder. To ensure purity and potency, only 99.95% pure C60 powder, such as SES Fullerene C60 Powder 99.95%, should be used. This is a critical first step because the purity of the C60 powder directly impacts the final product's effectiveness.
But here’s the catch: C60 powder of this high quality is expensive—often costing over $1200 USD for just 10 grams. This price reflects the careful processing required to achieve such purity, including oven-drying to remove any residual solvents. Unfortunately, some manufacturers cut corners by using lower-quality C60 powder, which can result in a less effective product. The only surefire way to verify the quality of the C60 is through HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) testing, a costly and specialised process that many suppliers skip.
The Manufacturing Process: Precision and Time
Once the right C60 powder is sourced, the next step is the actual manufacturing process. This is where the Baati/Paris method comes into play. According to this protocol, C60 should be dissolved in a carrier oil (such as olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil) at a concentration of at least 0.8 mg of C60 per 1 ml of oil to ensure maximum efficacy.
Why Is It So Difficult to Dissolve C60?
C60 is notoriously difficult to dissolve. It is insoluble in water and only slightly soluble in oil. As a result, it takes a significant amount of effort to achieve the right concentration. In fact, manufacturers need to add 5 to 6 times more C60 than the amount that will actually dissolve in the oil to achieve a proper saturation level. This is why it's essential to use mechanical stirring for an extended period—typically two weeks—to ensure that the C60 particles are properly suspended.
The oil will take on a distinctive colour during this process. If coconut oil is used, the oil will appear purple, while olive and avocado oils will turn dark brown. This color change is a visual indicator that the C60 has properly dissolved and is suspended in the oil.
The Role of Centrifugation and Filtration
After the two-week mixing period, the oil undergoes centrifugation. This step involves spinning the oil at high speeds (typically 4000-5000 g) for about one hour. The goal is to remove any non-suspended C60 particles that haven’t dissolved in the oil. Once the centrifugation process is complete, the oil is filtered through a 0.22-micron filter to ensure that only the properly suspended C60 remains in the oil.
The result? A highly potent, high-quality C60 oil ready for bottling and distribution.
Why Not All C60 Oils Are Created Equal
While the process of making C60 oil might seem straightforward, there are a few common issues that manufacturers can face. These issues can significantly affect the final product's quality and effectiveness. Here are the two main concerns:
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Sourcing Low-Quality C60: As mentioned earlier, the price of high-quality C60 powder is steep. Some suppliers opt for lower-quality C60 to save on costs. This can result in a less effective product, as the purity of the powder is crucial for the final product's potency. Without HPLC testing, it can be nearly impossible to determine the purity of C60 from other suppliers.
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Shortened Mixing Time: The original Baati/Paris protocol calls for a two-week mixing period to properly suspend the C60 in the oil. However, many smaller manufacturers cut this process short in an attempt to speed up production. This can lead to a product with a lower concentration of C60, diminishing its effectiveness.
How to Spot a High-Quality C60 Oil
Without access to HPLC testing, consumers may find it difficult to judge the quality of C60 oil. However, there are a few visual indicators that can help:
- Coconut oil-based C60 will typically appear purple in color, while olive oil or avocado oil-based C60 will be a dark brown (like ours).
- If the oil is clear (like coconut oil), the purple colour should be vibrant. In oils like olive or avocado oil, the darker colour is a good sign that proper saturation has been achieved.
In conclusion, the process of manufacturing high-quality C60 oil is both an art and a science. While the procedure itself isn’t overly complex, sourcing top-tier ingredients and adhering to strict manufacturing protocols are key to producing a product that is both safe and effective. Always be sure to choose a reputable supplier that follows the original Baati/Paris method to ensure you're getting the best possible C60 oil.
