Recent research advancements in no-releasing nanomaterials

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO)—an endogenous diatomic molecule—plays key roles in various physiological and pathological processes, including smooth muscle relaxation in blood vessels, immune response, neurotransmission, respiration, and cell apoptosis. The biological functions of this molecule greatly depend on the location, timing, and dosage at which it is released. It is important to develop NO-delivery platforms capable of holding NO stably during storage and subsequently release optimal amounts of NO spatiotemporally at the desired location and time. In this review, recent advancements in the preparation of new exogenous NO donors including diazeniumdiolates, S-nitrosothiols, nitrobenzene, and metal-nitrosyl complexes are discussed. The integration of these NO donors with various nanoplatforms for controlled NO delivery and their potential applications in the biomedical field are highlighted.