Imbalances of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in an organism can be linked to pathological processes such as cancer, inflammation, diabetes, and hypertension. Thus, compounds that can be used to precisely regulate H₂S levels (both up and down) are important research tools as well as potential therapeutic agents. Research in this field so far has been focused on developing H₂S-releasing compounds. In contrast, molecules that can downregulate H₂S levels (e.g., H₂S scavengers) are still rare.

Ming Xian, Washington State University, Pullman, USA, and colleagues have realized that H₂S scavengers should have similar properties to H₂S imaging sensors, which have been well-studied. Using an H₂S-sensor database, the team carried out a data-driven scavenger-discovery program. The database covers key parameters such as structure, solubility, cytotoxicity, response rate, and selectivity of the sensors. The team selected compounds with fast response times and tested their scavenging efficiency.

The researchers identified a series of potent scavengers based on sulfonyl azides. These compounds showed promising activity to remove H₂S in biological systems. Their H₂S-scavenging capabilities were demonstrated in buffers, enzymatic systems, and cellular environments. The discovery of these scavengers could benefit the future development of H₂S-based therapies.

• Data-Driven Identification of Hydrogen Sulfide Scavengers,
  Chun-tao Yang, Yingying Wang, Eizo Marutani, Tomoaki Ida, Xiang Ni, Shi Xu, Wei Chen, Hui Zhang, Takaaki Akaike, Fumito Ichinose, Ming Xian,
  Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019.
  https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201905580