Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
Published on: February 16, 2022
Synthesis and characterization of S-nitrosoglutathione-oligosaccharide-chitosan as a nitric oxide donor
Shefaat Ullah Shah1, Nuno Martinho, Marie Socha
1Université de Lorraine, Faculté de pharmacie, EA 3452/ CITHEFOR , 5, rue Albert Lebrun, 54000 Nancy , France +33 3 83 68 23 10 ; +33 3 83 68 23 01 ; stephane.gibaud@univ-lorraine.fr.
Objectives:
The aim of this work is to synthesize a novel stable and biodegradable nitric oxide (NO) donor polymer based on a chitosan backbone. This polymer needed to be linked to glutathione (GSH), which was nitrosated in a second step. This polymer has been developed as an NO delivery platform that could be further evaluated for an oral delivery in Crohn's disease.
Methods:
The new polymer (named S-nitrosoglutathione-oligosaccharide-chitosan or SNOC) was obtained using a two-step procedure involving the linkage of GSH to chitosan via an amidine reaction followed by a post-nitrosation with NaNO2. The GSH linkage was assessed using NMR, FTIR and an Ellman's test, whereas the final NO amount was determined by the Griess and Saville method.
Results:
Polymers with different numbers of NO groups were obtained (159.04 ± 64.16 µmol/g of polymer for SNOC G1 and 525.08 ± 151.35 µmol/g of polymer for SNOC G2) depending on the procedure used for production. When tested in an Ussing chamber, SNOC G2 had a sustained release of NO and nitrites for at least 6 h.
Conclusion:
We believe that this type of polymer is adapted for the development of various formulations, including microparticles.
Related Concept Videos
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
2° Amines to N-Nitrosamines: Reaction with NaNO2
Preparation and Reactions of Thiols
Phase II Reactions: Glutathione Conjugation and Mercapturic Acid Formation
Several distinctive characteristics distinguish glutathione conjugation from other phase II...

