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

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Vascular Engineering

Background:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter with diverse physiological roles, including anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects.
• Synthetic grafts often lack the necessary biological cues to effectively promote tissue regeneration.
• Modulating graft properties with therapeutic molecules like H2S can enhance vascular repair outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a novel H2S-releasing resorbable synthetic graft.
• To investigate the graft's ability to sustainably release H2S and promote endothelial cell growth.
• To create a graft with suitable mechanical properties, degradation rate, and porosity for vascular applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of electrospinnable and photocurable functional polyesters into an elastic fibrous conduit.
• Conjugation of a methacrylated H2S donor to the conduit via thiol-ene click chemistry.
• In vitro assessment of H2S release kinetics and its effect on endothelial cell proliferation.

Main Results:

• The developed graft sustainably released H2S in vitro for approximately 12 days.
• The H2S-releasing graft exhibited robust elasticity, suitable mechanical properties, degradation rate, and porosity.
• Sustained H2S release from the graft significantly promoted endothelial cell growth in vitro.

Conclusions:

• A novel H2S-releasing resorbable synthetic graft was successfully designed and fabricated.
• The graft demonstrates potential for enhancing vascular regeneration through sustained H2S delivery.
• This work provides a foundation for future in vivo studies evaluating the graft's efficacy in vascular repair.