Green Light-Responsive CO-Releasing Polymeric Materials Derived from Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization.

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Photochemistry

Background:

• Carbon monoxide (CO) is a vital gasotransmitter with therapeutic potential.
• Current CO-releasing materials often rely on expensive, inefficient, and harmful UV light activation.
• Precise spatiotemporal control of CO release is crucial for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel green light-responsive polymer for controlled CO release.
• To investigate the photophysical properties and CO release mechanism of the new material.
• To create a practical CO delivery system for potential clinical use.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a green light-responsive CO-releasing polymer (P) via ring-opening metathesis polymerization.
• Investigation of CO release triggered by 550 nm green light irradiation.
• Fabrication of a stretchable CO storage bandage (P-PTFE) using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
• Computational analysis using Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) to understand electronic transitions.

Main Results:

• The synthesized polymer (P) and its monomer (M) demonstrated stability in the dark.
• CO release was efficiently triggered by low-energy green light (550 nm, ≤28 mW).
• TD-DFT calculations elucidated the electronic excitation responsible for light absorption.
• The P-PTFE bandage showed potential as a portable CO delivery system.
• Insignificant cytotoxicity and good cell permeability were observed for M and P.

Conclusions:

• A novel, green light-responsive CO-releasing polymer was successfully synthesized.
• The material offers a safe, efficient, and tunable platform for CO delivery.
• The P-PTFE bandage represents a simple, inexpensive, and portable CO storage solution.
• This technology holds promise for advancing clinical applications of carbon monoxide therapy.