Biofunctionalization of biomaterials for nitric oxide delivery: potential applications in regenerative medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Mimicking physiological functions of nitric oxide (NO) has applications in regenerative medicine. However, few NO delivery systems have progressed to clinical trials owing to limitations in delivery. Materials and methods: A novel NO delivery system was explored by integrating S-nitro-N-acetylpenicillamine-functionalized long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons (LCAHs) into a polyurethane-based polymer. Results and discussion: Contact angle analysis determined the novel delivery system to be significantly more hydrophobic than control. Chemilluminscence showed a four-phase NO release profile of the delivery system with more stable and prolong NO release than control. Conclusion: LCAHs can optimize the duration and rate of NO delivery and present a viable option for use in surgical implants and biomedical applications.