Roles and current applications of S-nitrosoglutathione in anti-infective biomaterials

Materials Today Bio, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100419 · Published: September 2, 2022

Simple Explanation

Bacterial infections pose significant challenges to human health. Nitric oxide (NO) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent unaffected by bacterial resistance. S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), a donor of NO, is gaining attention for its antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. GSNO has several advantages as an endogenous RSNO. It is relatively stable, decomposes into biocompatible substances, and plays a critical role in inflammation and host defense. It also promotes angiogenesis. GSNO has become a hotspot for biomaterials in the last decade, such as hydrogels, polymers, films, nanoparticles, microspheres, implantable devices, and blood-contacting devices. GSNO enhances the antibacterial activity of medical devices and slows GSNO decomposition.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
GSNO possesses antibacterial activity influenced by factors like bacterial strain, dose, treatment duration, and NO release kinetics. Studies have evaluated GSNO's antibacterial properties in pulmonary, cutaneous, and other infections.
2
GSNO exerts an antibacterial effect via NO release, inducing nitrosative stress. The expression of certain bacterial genes and proteins influence multiple processes associated with GSNO, including transport, decomposition, and action.
3
GSNO-modified biomaterials have shown potent anti-infective performance in vitro and in vivo without apparent cytotoxicity. Light decomposition, metal ion catalysis, and thermal decomposition can accelerate NO generation from GSNO.

Research Summary

The review summarizes the progress made in the applications of GSNO in anti-infective biomaterials. It mainly includes the biological properties of GSNO and its application in biomaterials and provides a useful beacon for future research. GSNO exerts antibacterial effects through multiple mechanisms, including the formation of cytotoxic peroxynitrite, interaction with intracellular metal ions, dysregulation of protein function, and direct reaction with DNA. GSNO also possesses favorable anti-thrombosis, anti-inflammation, and anti-tumor properties. Metal ion incorporation into GSNO for NO-releasing catalysis compensates for its decomposition shortcomings.

Practical Implications

Infection Control

GSNO's broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and biocompatibility make it a promising agent for combating infections, especially those resistant to conventional antibiotics.

Biomaterial Design

GSNO can be incorporated into various biomaterials (hydrogels, polymers, nanoparticles) to enhance their anti-infective properties and promote tissue regeneration.

Medical Device Development

GSNO-modified medical devices can reduce the risk of device-associated infections, improve hemocompatibility, and possess anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Study Limitations

1
GSNO is not very stable and can degrade under long-time exposure to light.
2
The production cost of GSNO is relatively high.
3
The effect of GSNO, at effective antimicrobial-concentrations, on critical normal cells, especially bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) remain unknown.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Physiology