Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the rapid development of stimuli-responsive therapeutic nanomaterials for precision gas therapy. Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) is a significant gaseous signaling molecule with intrinsic biochemical properties, which exerts its various physiological effects under both normal and pathological conditions. Various nanomaterials with H2 S-responsive properties, as new-generation therapeutic agents, are explored to guide therapeutic behaviors in biological milieu. The cross disciplinary of H2 S is an emerging scientific hotspot that studies the chemical properties, biological mechanisms, and therapeutic effects of H2 S. This review summarizes the state-of-art research on H2 S-related nanomedicines. In particular, recent advances in H2 S therapeutics for cancer, such as H2 S-mediated gas therapy and H2 S-related synergistic therapies (combined with chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and chemodynamic therapy) are highlighted. Versatile imaging techniques for real-time monitoring H2 S during biological diagnosis are reviewed. Finally, the biosafety issues, current challenges, and potential possibilities in the evolution of H2 S-based therapy that facilitate clinical translation to patients are discussed.
Keywords: bioimaging; biosafety; cancer therapy; gaseous signaling molecules; hydrogen sulfide.
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