Nitric oxide-releasing S-nitrosothiol-modified xerogels

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemistry

Background:

• Biomaterials require functionalization to improve biocompatibility and therapeutic effects.
• Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule with antithrombotic and antibacterial properties.
• Xerogels offer a versatile scaffold for biomaterial development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize S-nitrosothiol (RSNO)-modified xerogels.
• To evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility and NO-releasing capabilities of these modified xerogels.
• To assess the potential of RSNO-xerogels as coatings for biomedical devices.

Main Methods:

• Thiol-functionalized xerogel films were prepared using sol-gel chemistry with MPTMS and MTMOS precursors.
• RSNO modification was achieved through thiol nitrosation using acidified nitrite.
• NO generation was quantified under physiological conditions, light irradiation, and copper exposure.
• Platelet and bacterial adhesion assays were performed.
• Fibroblast cell viability was assessed.

Main Results:

• RSNO-modified xerogels successfully generated nitric oxide (NO) for up to two weeks under physiological conditions.
• NO release was triggered by light irradiation and copper exposure, with controllable fluxes.
• The xerogels demonstrated significant reduction in platelet and bacterial adhesion.
• Negligible fragmentation was observed over a 2-week period.
• Fibroblast cell viability remained high on the modified xerogel surfaces.

Conclusions:

• RSNO-modified xerogels are a stable, NO-releasing material with tunable release kinetics.
• These materials exhibit potent antithrombotic and antibacterial properties.
• The biocompatibility and functional properties suggest RSNO-xerogels are promising candidates for biomedical device coatings.