Abstract
In tissue engineering, survival of larger constructs remains challenging due to limited supply with oxygen caused by a lack of early vascularization. Controlled release of oxygen from small organic molecules represents a possible strategy to prevent cell death under anoxic conditions. A comprehensive study of methylated pyridone-derived endoperoxides has led to the development of water-soluble molecules that undergo retro Diels-Alder reactions in aqueous environment releasing oxygen in high yield and with half-lives of up to 13 hours. These molecules in combination with vitamin C as singlet oxygen quencher significantly improved survival of 3T3 fibroblasts and rat smooth muscle cells challenged with oxygen-depleted conditions.
Benz, Sebastian