| Abstract Scope |
Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signalling molecule released by vascular endothelial cells that is essential for vascular health. Dysregulation of NO is a common feature in hypertension, angina, heart failure and in the response to vascular injury. NO donating formulations such as organic nitrates and nitrites primarily produce NO in the circulation, are not targeted to specific vascular beds. Ideally, it would be possible to deliver the right amount of NO to a precise location at the right time. To achieve these aims, we have recently developed several strategies based on nanomaterials, showing that graphene can either can store and release therapeutically relevant amounts of NO gas or other NO sources in a controlled manner. This talk will present our recent proof-of-principle data on the utility of porous graphene as a NO delivery vehicle, thereby highlighting the potential of these formulations as a strategy for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. |