A Method of Storage and Controlled Delivery of Nitric Oxide

University of Texas at Dallas
posted on 06/17/2009

Invention:

The invention is unique Titanium dioxide nanotubes decorated with NO releasing groups to store and deliver NO using photochemical methods in both external and internal medical treatments.

It provides a method of storing NO that can be delivered to targeted spaces and a controlled photodynamic activation process that eliminates any potential by-product formation. This safe storage system can be combined with cream or lotion for topical treatments. The materials used in the fabrication of this delivery system are cheap and readily available and TiO2 nanotubes are produced in large quantities.

Background:

The diatomic free radical nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenous mediator of various physiological functions, including well documented applications in the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems. Through storage and delivery, medical practitioners have defined some useful therapeutic applications for NO as an antimicrobial agent, anticoagulant and cancer inhibitor. More recently NO has helped diabetic patients who suffer from lower blood flow. Another area of interest is the integration of NO releasing systems into tissue and organ preservation for transplant purposes.

Many chemical compounds have been developed to store and release NO in a controlled manner. In most compounds, the rate of NO release is varied through temperature, Ph or enzymes. Current technologies for the storage and controlled delivery of NO suffer from problems such as poor solubility, lack of specific targeting, generation of potentially toxic by-products and spontaneous NO release.

In the worldwide pharmaceutical market, share of drugs where NO is involved is projected to rise to $96 billion in 2010 as new drugs with NO-based mechanisms are introduced into the market

Benefits:

· Large scale production is inexpensive and energy efficient

· No dependency on Ph, humidity or temperature

· Inside and outside surfaces can function separately

IP Status:

· Provisional patent filed

Inventors:

· Kenneth J. Balkus, Jr, Professor, Department of Chemistry, UT Dallas

· Chalita Ratanatawanate, Research Assistant, Department of Chemistry, UT Dallas

Contact: Brent Schultze, email: Brent.Schultze@UTDallas.edu, phone: 972-883-4589

Tech ID: 09-025

Innovation Details