Nitric Oxide Releasing Nanomaterials for Cancer Treatment: Current Status and Perspectives

Author(s)

Seabra, Amedea B. ^[1] ; de Lima, Renata ^[2] ; Calderon, Marcelo ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Exact & Earth Sci Dept, BR-09913030 Diadema, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sorocaba, Dept Biotechnol, Sorocaba, SP - Brazil

^[3] Free Univ Berlin, Inst Chem & Biochem, Berlin - Germany

• Document type: Review article
• Source: CURRENT TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY; v. 15, n. 4, p. 298-308, 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 24

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is known to have dichotomous effects on cancer biology, acting as a pro-or antineoplastic agent. Low concentrations of NO are reported to promote tumor growth, whereas high NO influx acts as a potent tumor repressor, leading to cytotoxicity and apoptosis. There is increasing interest in developing NO-releasing materials as potent tumoricidal agents in which high and localized concentrations of NO may be directly released in a sustained manner to the tumor site. Nanomaterials allied to NO donors have emerged as a promising strategy in cancer treatment. In this context, this review summarizes the roles of NO in cancer biology and highlights the therapeutic potential effects of NO-releasing nanomaterials based on polymeric nanoparticles, dendritic polymers, liposomes, silica nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles and quantum dots in combating tumor cells. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/17053-7 - Nitric oxide releasing nanoparticles for biomedical applications
• Grantee: Amedea Barozzi Seabra
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants