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Perfluorocarbon-based oxygen carriers: from physics to physiology.
Johannes Jägers1, Anna Wrobeln1, Katja B Ferenz2,3
1University of Duisburg-Essen, Institute of Physiology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany.
Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of Physiology
|November 3, 2020
Summary
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are promising synthetic oxygen carriers. Stable nano-emulsions (PFOCs) overcome challenges for diverse medical applications, including blood substitutes and cancer therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Physiology
Background:
- Developing biocompatible synthetic oxygen carriers is a significant challenge.
- Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) possess high gas solubility but require stabilization for medical use.
- Stable PFC nano-emulsions (PFOCs) aim to balance blood clearance and organ retention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physical properties of PFCs and reasons for emulsion instability.
- To elucidate the physiological responses to intravascular PFOCs.
- To highlight diverse applications of PFOCs.
Main Methods:
- Review of physical properties of perfluorocarbons.
- Analysis of PFC emulsion stability factors.
- Physiological response assessment of PFOCs in vivo.
Main Results:
- Pure PFCs are unsuitable for vascular injection due to instability.
- Stable PFOC nano-emulsions mitigate rapid clearance and prolonged organ retention.
- PFOCs demonstrate potential in various therapeutic and preservation fields.
Conclusions:
- PFOCs offer a viable solution for synthetic oxygen carriers.
- Understanding PFC properties and physiological interactions is crucial for clinical translation.
- PFOCs show promise in areas from cancer therapy to organ preservation.
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