Since the advent of nitric oxide (NO)-releasing materials for bioapplications, one system of interest has consisted of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) donor-blended polymers. Multiple polymer systems have incorporated blends of GSNO toward the ability to generate NO under physiological conditions. While these GSNO-blended polymers have demonstrated vasodilatory effects that correlate directly with NO dosages, significant diffusion of GSNO from the material matrix has been noted repeatedly. However, there has been no investigation regarding whether the quantified NO is coming from GSNO decomposition in the material phase or from the solution phase due to the GSNO leachate. If a localized NO effect is desired at the material-biology interface, the NO release must occur directly from the material surface. It is therefore critical to evaluate if GSNO-blended materials exhibit NO release predominantly from the material or the soaking solution phase. Additionally, the diffusion of the GSNO in the polymer matrix could lead to significant changes in surface properties, which will impact the interaction of the material with biological components. Herein, we present the evaluation of a GSNO-blended Tygon film. We quantify the amount of donor leached into solution and, coupled to total parent thiol (GSH) and NO measurements, are able to determine which phase experiences the predominant NO release. Additionally, an investigation of the surface properties before and after material soaking gives insight into how these processes can affect the material-biology interface. Overall, this work enables full characterization of an important class of NO-releasing biomaterials towards the ability to achieve controllable NO release properties.

Determining surface properties and tracking therapeutic delivery from nitric oxide polymers

246th National Meeting (2013)

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