Evaluation of fluorochemicals for liquid membrane oxygenation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Traditional blood oxygenators involve direct blood-gas interfaces, which can cause detrimental changes to blood components.
• Fluorochemicals offer potential for creating a barrier between blood and gas, mitigating these adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess the feasibility of an oxygenator utilizing gaseous oxygen bubbles encapsulated with fluorochemical.
• To investigate the biocompatibility of these fluorochemicals with human and animal blood components and organs.

Main Methods:

• Developed a prototype oxygenator using fluorochemical-encapsulated oxygen bubbles.
• Conducted in vitro studies with human blood to assess changes in red blood cells, fibrinogen, and platelets over 24 hours.
• Performed in vivo studies with dogs, evaluating blood and organ alterations after continuous blood-fluorochemical interface exposure.
• Developed an analytical method for detecting fluorochemicals in blood and protein solutions.

Main Results:

• The fluorochemical encapsulation method proved feasible for oxygenation.
• No significant detrimental changes were observed in human red blood cells, fibrinogen, or platelets after chronic in vitro contact.
• No evidence of lipid extraction from plasma by the tested fluorochemicals.
• In vivo studies showed no significant alterations in canine blood or organs post-autopsy.
• A method for analyzing fluorochemicals in biological samples was successfully developed.

Conclusions:

• Fluorochemical-encapsulated oxygen bubbles represent a viable approach for blood oxygenation, minimizing blood-gas interface issues.
• The tested fluorochemicals exhibit excellent biocompatibility, with no adverse effects on blood components or organs.
• This technology holds promise for improved artificial oxygenation systems.