Liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin using film hydration processing to form artificial red blood cells

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Hematology

Background:

• Liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH) is a potential blood substitute.
• Optimizing LEH production is crucial for its clinical application.
• Understanding LEH properties is key to its efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of process parameters on LEH characteristics.
• To determine optimal conditions for high hemoglobin encapsulation efficiency and stability.
• To evaluate the oxygen-carrying capacity and in vivo performance of LEH.

Main Methods:

• Microfluidizer M110 used for LEH production.
• Lipid loading ratios and concentrations optimized.
• Transmission electron microscopy for particle size analysis.
• Rheological measurements for viscosity assessment.
• In vivo studies involving exchange-transfused rats.

Main Results:

• Maximum hemoglobin encapsulation efficiency achieved at 300 mumol lipid/ml.
• High encapsulated hemoglobin concentrations (up to 15.5 g/100 ml) prepared.
• Average vesicle size of optimal LEH batches approximately 155 nm.
• LEH viscosity higher than whole blood across tested shear rates.
• LEH demonstrated minimal hemoglobin leakage and supported survival in anemic rats.

Conclusions:

• Optimized microfluidization parameters yield stable LEH with high encapsulation efficiency.
• LEH exhibits suitable rheological properties and minimal leakage for potential transfusion.
• LEH effectively supports life in critical anemia, indicating its oxygen-carrying capability.