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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Author Spotlight: Utilizing Next-Generation Polymerized Human Hemoglobin for Improved Donor Lung Evaluation and Preservation in Rats
Published on: June 14, 2024
Comprehensive Biochemical and Biophysical Characterization of Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carrier Therapeutics: All HBOCs
Fantao Meng1, Tigist Kassa1, Sirsendu Jana1
1Laboratory of Biochemistry and Vascular Biology, Division of Blood Components and Devices, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research , Food and Drug Administration , Silver Spring , Maryland 20993 , United States.
Abstract:
The development of hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) has been hampered because of safety concerns in humans. Chemical and/or genetic modifications of the Hb introduce varied structural and conformational constraint on the molecule that resulted in proteins with diverse allosteric responses, nitrosative and oxidative side reactions. Here, we present for the first time a comprehensive biochemical and biophysical comparison of human, bovine, and genetically engineered HBOCs that have been tested in humans. We evaluate oxygen equilibrium and ligand binding kinetics under different experimental conditions as well as their autoxidation kinetics, redox reactions, and heme release. We determined the effects of HBOCs on cellular redox states and mitochondrial respiration. Taken together, these experiments provide a better understanding of the relationship between the structure-function and oxidative reactivity of these proteins. One can therefore select independently among these diverse properties to engineer a safe and effective HBOC with improved biochemical/biophysical characteristics.
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