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Published on: May 22, 2020
Nitric oxide releasing nanomaterials for cancer treatment: current status and perspectives
Amedea B Seabra, Renata de Lima, Marcelo Calderón1
1Exact and Earth Science Department, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua São Nicolau, 210, Centro, Diadema, SP, CEP 09913030, Brazil. amedea.seabra@gmail.com.
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.
Insights
Nitric oxide (NO) has dual roles in cancer. This review explores NO-releasing nanomaterials, like nanoparticles and liposomes, for targeted cancer therapy, harnessing NO
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cancer Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) exhibits dual effects in cancer, promoting or inhibiting tumor growth based on concentration.
- High concentrations of NO can induce tumor cell cytotoxicity and apoptosis, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of nitric oxide (NO) in cancer biology.
- To highlight the therapeutic promise of NO-releasing nanomaterials for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the biological effects of NO in cancer.
- Analysis of various NO-releasing nanomaterial platforms, including polymeric nanoparticles, dendritic polymers, liposomes, silica nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, and quantum dots.
Main Results:
- NO concentration dictates its effect on cancer, with high levels being tumor-repressive.
- NO-releasing nanomaterials offer a strategy for sustained, localized NO delivery to tumors.
- Diverse nanomaterial types show potential for delivering NO to combat tumor cells.
Conclusions:
- NO-releasing nanomaterials represent a promising strategy for localized cancer therapy.
- Targeted delivery of high NO concentrations via nanomaterials could enhance tumoricidal effects.
- Further research into NO-based nanomedicine is warranted for effective cancer treatment.
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