Nitric oxide-releasing nanomaterials and skin infections

Abstract

The free radical nitric oxide (NO) is an important endogenous molecule that controls several biological processes, ranging from the promotion of vasodilatation to the acceleration of wound repair process and potent antimicrobial effects. NO is synthesized in human skin through the action of three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), with an important role in dermal vasodilatation, wound healing process, tissue repair, and skin defense against pathogens. During the past few years, interest has increased in the development of biologically friendly and versatile NO-releasing materials for biomedical applications, in particular, for topical/dermatological applications. Recently, the combination of NO donors/generations with nanomaterials has been emerging as a suitable strategy to carry and deliver therapeutic amounts of NO directly to the target site of application, including human skin, as discussed in this chapter. Thus, NO-releasing nanomaterials present great potential to treat skin diseases, highlighting skin infections caused by pathogens, because of the broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity of NO. In this sense, NO donors/generators have been incorporated in nanoparticles, leading to a sustained and localized delivery of NO. This chapter presents and discusses the recent advantages on the design and applications of NO-releasing nanomaterials for dermatological applications, mainly in promoting wound healing and in combating resistant pathogens.