Biodegradable Synthetic Graft with Sustained Hydrogen Sulfide Release Promotes Endothelial Cell Growth

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-22-2025

Department

Health Research Institute; Department of Chemistry

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter that possesses multiple pathological and physiological functions, including anti-inflammation, anti-thrombosis, anti-calcification, inhibition of intimal hyperplasia, and promotion of angiogenesis. Therefore, we aim to design an H2S-releasing resorbable synthetic graft that utilizes the therapeutic benefits of the H2S to modulate the graft regeneration. To ease fabrication of the H2S-releasing graft, we have designed a pair of functional polyesters that are electrospinnable and photocurable to form an elastic fibrous conduit. The conduit bears free thiol groups that are conjugated with a methacrylated H2S donor through thiol-ene click chemistry to form an H2S-releasing graft. The graft can sustainably release H2S over ∼12 days in vitro. Differing from prior designs, the H2S-releasing graft simultaneously possesses key features of a robust elasticity, and suitable mechanical properties, degradation rate and porosity. At the proof-of-concept stage, we examined the H2S stimulation on endothelial cell growth using the graft with a low H2S releasing rate. The results demonstrated that the graft with sustained H2S release could significantly promote endothelial cell growth in vitro. This work paved the way for in vivo evaluation of the H2S-releasing graft.

Publication Title

Macromolecular Bioscience

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