Nitric oxide releasing graphene for next-generation therapeutics

Nitric oxide (NO) is a powerful signalling molecule and plays a central role in numerous physiological processes, most notably, in the cardiovascular, immune and central nervous systems. While organic nitrates, exemplified by nitroglycerin, have been used for over a century to deliver therapeutic NO, the search for novel drugs capable of selectively increasing NO bioavailability has continued unabated. Delivery of NO is hindered by its gaseous nature, extreme reactivity, short half-life and potential for systemic toxicity. To address these challenges, controlled NO delivery systems are highly desirable, offering precise release at the site of action over defined periods. Recent advances have focused on nanoparticles for injectable or implantable use, enabling sustained, targeted NO release while degrading safely. Among these, graphene nanostructures have emerged as efficient NO carriers, since they can be specifically designed to deliver NO gas or donor compounds due to their tunable surface chemistry, easy chemical modification and good biocompatibility. In this review, we discuss the latest developments in NO-releasing graphene formulations, alongside key applications in cardiovascular diseases, antimicrobial therapy and cancer treatment.