A photoresponsive H₂S donor with fluorescence tracking for promoting wound healing

Wound healing is a complex process involving inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and tissue remodeling. As an important endogenous gasotransmitter, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) plays a critical regulatory role in tissue repair owing to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-angiogenic properties. However, achieving spatiotemporally precise H₂S release at diseased sites remains challenging. Herein, we designed and constructed a photoresponsive H₂S donor molecule H-1a, which undergoes thiocarbonate bond cleavage under light irradiation to generate carbonyl sulfide, followed by conversion into H₂S through carbonic anhydrase mediated catalysis. Cellular studies demonstrated that H-1a enabled efficient intracellular delivery and exhibited good cytocompatibility. Furthermore, in a mouse full-thickness skin wound model, H-1a combined with light irradiation promoted wound closure and improved tissue regeneration. These results suggest that H-1a holds promising potential for controlled gasotransmitter delivery and wound healing applications.