Synthesis And Characterization Of H2s-Releasing Thermal-Sensitive Hydrogel With Potential Medical Applications

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) plays a crucial role in regulating various disease processes, such as safeguarding mammalian cells from harm, stimulating tissue regeneration, and managing illnesses stemming from physiological imbalances. However, existing methods faced challenges due to the unpredictable release of H₂S. This research introduced an H₂S delivery system by enclosing 5-aminopyridine-2-thiocarboxamide (APTC) within a gelatin-pluronic (GP) thermosensitive hydrogel. This approach enabled a controlled and gradual release of H₂S, leveraging the thermosensitive properties of the GP copolymer that allowed for in situ formation at body temperature. This system showed promise as an injectable biomaterial for medical purposes. The study proved that the GP-based hydrogel effectively controlled the release of H₂S. There was a direct relationship between the concentration of APTC during production and the amount of H₂S released, where higher APTC levels led to increased H₂S release, as evidenced by the Methylene Blue assay. The controllable and sustained release of H₂S offered significant advantages, including enhanced proliferation of endothelial cells such as human dermal fibroblasts (hDFBs), as demonstrated by the WST-1 assay. Overall, these results highlighted the potential of pluronic-based hydrogels as a reliable H₂S delivery method, paving the way for designing tailored thermosensitive hydrogels for potential clinical use.