Physicochemical properties and responses in microcirculation of native tapioca starch-based plasma expander

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Plasma expanders (PEs) are crucial for volume replacement therapy.
• Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is a common synthetic PE.
• Thailand's abundant tapioca production offers a potential source for novel PEs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the properties and circulatory effects of native tapioca starch-based plasma expanders (TPE).
• To compare TPE with a standard hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (HES130/0.4).

Main Methods:

• Prepared and characterized various native tapioca starch and saline mixtures for optimal physicochemical and rheological properties.
• Conducted an acute hemodilution animal study (40% blood volume) comparing 1% TPE with 6% HES130/0.4.
• Evaluated hemodynamic parameters including mean arterial blood pressure, arterial vasodilation, and functional capillary density.

Main Results:

• TPE exhibited higher turbidity and viscosity but lower colloid osmotic pressure than HES130/0.4.
• Animals hemodiluted with TPE maintained mean arterial blood pressure comparable to HES130/0.4.
• TPE group showed enhanced arterial vasodilation and functional capillary density compared to the HES130/0.4 group.

Conclusions:

• Native tapioca starch shows potential as a basis for plasma expanders.
• TPE demonstrated favorable in vivo circulatory effects, including improved vasodilation and capillary perfusion.
• Further optimization of TPE's physicochemical properties is necessary for clinical application.