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

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter that possesses multiple pathological and physiological functions, including anti‐inflammation, anti‐thrombosis, anti‐calcification, inhibition of intimal hyperplasia, and promotion of angiogenesis. Therefore, we aim to design an H 2 S‐releasing resorbable synthetic graft that utilizes the therapeutic benefits of the H 2 S to modulate the graft regeneration. To ease fabrication of the H 2 S‐releasing graft, we have designed a pair of functional polyesters that are electrospinnable and photocurable to form an elastic fibrous conduit. The conduit bears free thiol groups that are conjugated with a methacrylated H 2 S donor through thiol‐ene click chemistry to form an H 2 S‐releasing graft. The graft can sustainably release H 2 S over ∼12 days in vitro . Differing from prior designs, the H 2 S‐releasing graft simultaneously possesses key features of a robust elasticity, and suitable mechanical properties, degradation rate and porosity. At the proof‐of‐concept stage, we examined the H 2 S stimulation on endothelial cell growth using the graft with a low H 2 S releasing rate. The results demonstrated that the graft with sustained H 2 S release could significantly promote endothelial cell growth in vitro . This work paved the way for in vivo evaluation of the H 2 S‐releasing graft.