Small molecule bioregulators (SMBs) such as nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) have dosage-dependent biological effects in mammalian physiology and pathophysiology. Photochemical delivery using photoactive NO releasing molecules (photoNORMs) allows for control over the timing, dosage and location of release by precisely controlling the intensity and location of light irradiation. However, there are several key challenges associated with this approach in biological systems. The primary challenge is the need to photo-activate these precursors using tissue-penetrating wavelengths (ideally NIR light). We have previously shown that certain chromophores that are subject to two-photon excitation (TPE) with NIR light can photosensitize photoNORMs to uncage NO. In order to increase the efficiency, novel materials with high TPE cross sections are required. Compared with small molecule dyes, carbon nanomaterials such as graphene quantum dots possess high TPE cross-sections. Herein we describe the use of nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-Doped GQDs) as two photon absorbers at 800 nm to photosensitize the release of NO from our photoNORMs.<br/>

Carbon-based nanomaterials applications in the photo-triggered release of small molecule bioregulators

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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