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Liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin: a synthetic red cell.
M C Farmer1, S A Johnson, R L Beissinger
1Bio/Molecular Engineering Branch, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375-5000.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH) offers a universally transfusable blood replacement. This study details a scalable method for producing sterile LEH with properties suitable for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Hematology
Background:
- Liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH) is a potential oxygen-carrying blood substitute.
- Previous limitations in production scale and sterility hindered toxicity testing.
- Development of a universally transfusable blood replacement is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a scalable and sterile method for producing LEH.
- To characterize the biophysical properties of LEH for blood replacement applications.
- To optimize LEH formulation for extended circulation persistence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Microfluidizer™ for liposome production (0.2 micron).
- Employed Pellicon tangential flow filtration for washing and sterile filtration.
- Co-encapsulated pyridoxal-5-phosphate to maintain oxygen-binding affinity.
Main Results:
- Achieved production of liters of LEH with ≥16 g% hemoglobin in hours.
- Developed a formulation with a circulation persistence time of 15-20 hours.
- Demonstrated LEH biophysical properties mimic red blood cells.
Conclusions:
- The developed method overcomes previous production and sterility barriers.
- LEH exhibits promising characteristics for use as a blood substitute.
- Further research into lipid composition and circulation dynamics is warranted.