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Abstract:
Two sets of prerequisites for nonionic emulsifiers suitable for an artificial blood program are suggested; one set that is necessary and a supplemental set that is desirable. Of the commercially available emulsifiers, only one, poloxamer 188, meets all of the requirements of the first group, and also meets most of the prerequisites of the second group. The hydrophile-lipophile balance system, its relation to emulsifier structure, and its value in arriving at the optimum emulsifier system, are discussed. The ability of the poloxamer 188 to serve as a plasma expander is attributed to its unusual micellar nature. The emulsifiers used in the artificial blood program are reviewed. Some newer experimental fluorochemical surfactants are described, and suggestions made for developing modifications of existing emulsifier systems. A new simple method for preparing stable artificial blood emulsions is reviewed.