The Interaction of CORM‐2 with Block Copolymers Containing Poly(4‐vinylpyridine): Macromolecular Scaffolds for Carbon Monoxide Delivery in Biological Systems

CORM‐2, tricarbonyldichlororuthenium(II) dimer (Ru₂Cl₄(CO)₆), is a common carbon monoxide releasing molecule (CORM) studied both in vitro and in vivo, but this compound possesses poor water solubility and a short half‐life, which hinders its clinical development. Herein, for the first time the conjugation of CORM‐2 is reported with a copolymer containing poly(4‐vinylpyridine) to yield water‐soluble CO‐releasing polymeric nanoparticles. CORM‐2 is rapidly conjugated to copolymers through pyridine groups as confirmed by inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy. In comparison with free CORM‐2, the copolymers functionalized with CORM‐2 display better water solubility and the CO release from the polymer‐based CORM is slow and sustained. This study paves the way for the potential use of a copolymer encapsulating CORM‐2 as a therapeutic agent.