title: Nanocarriers for nitric oxide delivery.
abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) is a promising pharmaceutical agent that has vasodilative, antibacterial, and tumoricidal effects. To study the complex and wide-ranging roles of NO and to facilitate its therapeutic use, a great number of synthetic compounds (e.g., nitrosothiols, nitrosohydroxyamines, N-diazeniumdiolates, and nitrosyl metal complexes) have been developed to chemically stabilize and release NO in a controlled manner. Although NO is currently being exploited in many biomedical applications, its use is limited by several factors, including a short half-life, instability during storage, and potential toxicity. Additionally, efficient methods of both localized and systemic in vivo delivery and dose control are needed. One strategy for addressing these limitations and thus increasing the utility of NO donors is based on nanotechnology.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, 14010-903 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Juliana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Saraiva
authors.forename: Samantha S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Marotta-Oliveira
authors.forename: Simone Aparecida
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Cicillini
authors.forename: Josimar de Oliveira
authors.initials: Jde O
authors.lastname: Eloy
authors.forename: Juliana Maldonado
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Marchetti