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Liposome-embedded-heme as a totally artificial oxygen carrier
K Kobayashi1, M Watanabe, T Ishihara
1Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.
ASAIO Transactions
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Researchers developed a synthetic heme-based oxygen carrier encapsulated in liposomes. This artificial oxygen carrier demonstrated effective oxygen transport and release in canine studies, showing promise as a blood substitute.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Hemoglobin is the primary oxygen carrier in blood.
- Developing artificial oxygen carriers is crucial for transfusion medicine.
- Liposomes offer a versatile platform for drug and biomolecule delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a synthetic, artificial oxygen-carrying substance.
- To embed a synthetic iron-porphyrin (heme) complex into liposomes.
- To evaluate the oxygen carrying capacity of liposome-embedded-heme (L/H) in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Synthetic heme complex analogous to protoheme was prepared.
- Heme complex was embedded within the phospholipid bilayer of liposomes.
- Liposome-embedded-heme (L/H) was tested via exchange transfusions in beagles.
Main Results:
- Oxygen transport and consumption by L/H were observed in canine models.
- Transported and consumed oxygen volumes were proportional to L/H concentration.
- L/H demonstrated the ability to bind, transport, and release oxygen.
Conclusions:
- Liposome-embedded-heme functions as an effective artificial oxygen carrier.
- This synthetic material can deliver oxygen to tissues.
- The study validates L/H as a potential blood substitute.