New polymeric nanoparticles to interrupt the ROS- and RNS- derived misregulation of cells

The aim of this thesis is to use advanced polymer design to develop new biomaterials that can intercept biochemical signalling pathways. The developed materials react either directly or indirectly with reactive oxygen species and/or reactive nitrogen species, and confer downstream effects in the biological milieu. Four main categories of materials were developed: trisulfide-bearing polymers for releasing hydrogen sulfide and persulfides, polymer carriers for intracellular delivery of N-acetyl L-cysteine, star polymers for conjugating a small molecule antioxidant (TEMPO) and nitric oxide-scavenging polymers. The macromolecules were well-characterised and exhibited the desired biological activity. Such materials have potential application in pharmaceutics and oncology.