Biomedical applications of polymeric nitric oxide (NO) donors.

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO), a potential diatomic radical-based gasotransmitter, exerts a spectrum of concentration-dependent physiological effects by binding to receptors. Over the past decades, the advancement in NO-related research uncloaked its potential in wound healing, anticancer, and antibacterial activities. However, it is essential to release a specific dosage depending on the action needed, thus warranting the fabrication of suitable carriers for target-specific NO delivery. The polymeric NO donors are more advantageous than small molecular NO donors in such circumstances, as they can be designed to provide additional control, including multifunctionality and stimuli-based NO release. In this chapter, the discussion is initiated by disseminating the biological pathway of NO production followed by the advantages of different types of NO donors and the future perspectives of the present research topic. We then provide a comprehensive insight into the state-of-the-art studies on the design, synthesis, and biological applications of various polymeric NO donors. The discussion encompasses stimuli-responsive behavior and pharmacodynamics after treating with polymeric NO donors. We anticipate that the article would provide a foundation to sketch the next-generation polymeric NO donors for suitable biological applications.