Development of multifunctional H₂S-releasing gold nanoparticles for chronic wound treatment

Chronic wounds, characterized by prolonged inflammation, require new therapies to improve healing. Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), a key neurotransmitter, supports critical factors in wound healing but is often deficient in chronic wounds. Despite its potential, the toxicity of direct H 2 S delivery and the unsustainable release from current systems hinder its therapeutic use. This study introduces H 2 S-releasing gold nanoparticles synthesized by reducing chloroauric acid (HAuCl 4 ) with diallyl trisulfides (DATS), a naturally derived H 2 S donor. These nanoparticles are hypothesized to be biocompatible and multifunctional, combining H 2 S release with the beneficial properties of gold. Results show that DATS does not impair H 2 S release, and higher DATS concentrations enhance H 2 S output. The sustained H 2 S release promotes endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis while retaining the antimicrobial properties of gold nanoparticles, making this material promising for chronic wound treatment.