The search for H2S donors has been increasing due to the multiple therapeutic effects of the gas. However, the use of nanoporous materials has not been investigated despite their potential. Zeolites and activated carbons are known as good gas adsorbents and their modification with chitosan may increase the material biocompatibility and simultaneously its release time in aqueous solution, thus making them good H2S donors. Herein, we modified with chitosan a series of A zeolites (3A, 4A and 5A) with different pore sizes and an activated carbon obtained from glycerin. The amount of H2S adsorbed was evaluated by a volumetric method and their release capacity in aqueous solution was measured. These studies aimed to verify which of the materials had appropriate H2S adsorption/release properties to be considered a potential H2S donor. Additionally, cytotoxicity assays using HeLa cells were performed. Considering the obtained results, the chitosan composite with the A zeolite with the larger pore opening was the most promising material to be used as a H2S donor so a further cytotoxicity assay using H2S loaded was conducted and no toxicity was observed.
Keywords: activated carbon; adsorption; chitosan; glycerin; hydrogen sulphide (H2S); zeolites.