Flush with a flash: natural three-component antimicrobial combinations based on S-nitrosothiols, controlled superoxide formation and “domino” reactions leading to peroxynitrite

Abstract

S-Nitrosothiols are ˙NO releasing agents renowned for vasodilatory and antioxidant properties. O₂˙⁻ promotes their decomposition, forming highly aggressive peroxynitrite ions (ONOO⁻). Since the production of O₂˙⁻ can be controlled by enzymes or by visible light, such otherwise harmless components can be turned into effective antimicrobial and nematicidal combinations with numerous potential applications in medicine.