A perfluorochemical emulsion as an oxygen carrier

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Fluosol-DA 20% is an oxygen carrier emulsion requiring frozen storage due to limited liquid stability.
• Perfluorochemical emulsions face challenges with long-term stability in liquid form for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the stability of perfluorochemical emulsions for potential use as oxygen carriers.
• To identify and evaluate alternative perfluorochemicals with improved stability and pharmacokinetic properties.

Main Methods:

• Screening of various perfluorochemicals for stability, elimination, and toxicity.
• Formulation of F-4-Methyloctahydroquinolidizine (FMOQ) emulsion using yolk phospholipid and Pluronic F-68.
• Assessment of emulsion stability at 4 degrees C for 6 months.
• Evaluation of FMOQ tissue half-life in rats and survival rates after exchange transfusion.

Main Results:

• F-4-Methyloctahydroquinolidizine (FMOQ) was identified as a promising perfluorochemical.
• The FMOQ emulsion demonstrated stability at 4 degrees C for 6 months.
• FMOQ exhibited a tissue half-life of 7 days in rats, comparable to perfluorodecalin (FDC).
• Rats receiving exchange transfusion with the FMOQ emulsion survived for 13 weeks.

Conclusions:

• F-4-Methyloctahydroquinolidizine (FMOQ) offers improved stability for perfluorochemical emulsions compared to existing formulations.
• The developed FMOQ emulsion shows potential as a viable oxygen carrier with enhanced storage capabilities.
• Further research into FMOQ-based emulsions could lead to more practical artificial blood substitutes.