During the past three decades, the roles of nitric oxide (NO) in various physiological and pathological pathways have been firmly established. This tiny diatomic molecule plays very different roles in biology depending on its concentration. At nanomolar concentrations, it acts as a signaling molecule to control blood pressure and neurotransmission. Quite in contrast, at elevated (micromolar) levels, the same molecule triggers programmed cell death or exhibits strong antimicrobial effects. We have recently designed and synthesized several molecules that can selectively deliver high doses of NO to malignant sites under the total control of light and cause cell destruction.  These unusual NO-donors are ideal candidates for Photodynamic Therapy for skin cancer.  In addition, they can be employed to combat other localized cancers such as prostate and breast cancer.  We have also been successful in eradicating drug-resistant pathogens via NO delivery.  Since bacteria and fungi seldom exhibit resistance to NO (at least for now), treatment with NO offers a new and effective line of treatment for chronic infections. Inclusion of our compounds in biocompatible materials makes the delivery platforms quite safe and target-specific. This talk will include discussions on the fundamentals and potentials of these intriguing treatment modalities.

Site-specific delivery of nitric oxide to biological targets with designed photoactive metal nitrosyl complexes

248th National Meeting (2014)

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