Nanomaterials combined with nitric oxide donors for biological applications

• Grant number: 22/00321-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: June 01, 2022 - May 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Amedea Barozzi Seabra
• Grantee: Amedea Barozzi Seabra
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Halley Caixeta de Oliveira ; Rafael Vasconcelos Ribeiro

Abstract

The free radical nitric oxide (NO) plays important actions in several biological processes in mammals, such as the control of vasodilation, immune response, cellular communication and skin healing. NO is also recognized as a key molecule in several physiological processes in plants, including dormancy breaking and seed germination, root growth, flowering, regulation of pollen tube growth, photosynthesis, control of opening and stomatal closure and responses to abiotic stresses (such as water deficit, full sun, metal toxicity, and salinity). As a free radical, NO donors are administered in several applications. Among them, S-nitrosothiols (RSNOs) stand out, which decompose spontaneously releasing NO. Works in the literature and previous works by the proponent's group revealed that the combination of nanotechnology with RSNOs represents a promising strategy to enable the therapeutic use of NO. In this context, the main objective of the project is the synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles and nanocomposites (i) based on biocompatible polymers and (ii) metal-based nanoparticles combined with NO donors for biological applications. The project also provides kinetic studies of NO release from the prepared nanomaterials, the evaluation of their cytotoxicity, including the evaluation of toxicity mechanisms, interaction of nanomaterials with cells and applications of nanomaterials in plants under abiotic stress. It is expected to contribute to the escalation of development of biocompatible materials that donate NO with great impact in biomedical applications and in agriculture, with articles and filing of patent applications. (AU)