A new synthetic approach to preparing NO-releasing SiNPs via a one-pot sol-gel process (Figure 6) includes cocondensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) or tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and aminoalkoxysilane with appropriate amounts of ethanol or methanol,

water and ammonia. The amine functional groups within the SiNPs are subsequently converted into N-diazeniumdiolate NO donors via exposure to high NO pressures (5atm) in the worldwide distributors presence of sodium methoxide (NaOMe) base [31]. Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical Figure 6 Schematic representation of the synthesis of N-diazeniumdiolate-modified SiNPs using TEOS and N-(6-aminohexyl)aminopropyltrimethoxysilane as tetraalkoxysilane and aminoalkoxysilane precursors. Reprinted from Seabra and Durán [31], with the permission … Das et al. [123] developed a novel method of controlled NO delivery to activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in an in vitro setting resembling chronic liver disease. Several NO donors, such as S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine

Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical (SNAP), glyco-SNAP, 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1) and S-nitrosoglutathione (SNOG) were screened for long-term, slow NO-releasing ability and chemical characteristics. Au-SNAPs significantly attenuated the proliferation and vascular tube formation of the HSCs, an in vitro correlate of angiogenic phenotype, by releasing NO. Thus, the unique functionality of Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical GNP- and SiNP-mediated drug-delivery systems may represent a new therapeutic approach to targeted NO delivery in vivo [123]. Stevens et al. engineered NO-releasing SiNPs for NO delivery to human ovarian cancer cells. They then compared the cytotoxicity of the SiNPs coupled to various ratios of an N-diazeniumdiolate in the presence Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical of a small-molecule NO donor [PYRRO/NO: sodium 1-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate] Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical to verify antitumor activity. This delivery system allowed control of the therapeutic payload, visualization of the nanoparticles via fluorescent tags, and exertion of NO-mediated

anticancer effects [124]. N-diazeniumdiolates also have been employed to elucidate their potent effects on diverse NO-mediated disease states and pathophysiological disorders including cardiovascular disease and ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, the use of these compounds is limited due to their low solubility in physiological media, lack of specific targeting, and low capability to deliver therapeutic concentrations of NO, which decrease their potential clinical AV-951 application. The coupling of the N-diazeniumdiolates to the nanoparticles delivery systems have been improved NO storage and release capability. Shin and Schoenfisch reported a new synthetic route to prepare NO-releasing silica particles through the methodology that permit the development of NO storage and delivery scaffolds for pharmacological applications [121]. 4.3. Quantum Dots Nanotechnology can be exploited to improve the utility of fluorescent markers used for diagnostic purposes.