Blood substitutes: oxygen-carrying acellular fluids

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Hematology

Background:

• Acellular fluids, known as blood substitutes, are designed to transport and deliver oxygen to tissues.
• Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) represent a leading class of blood substitutes, utilizing modified human, mammalian, or recombinant hemoglobin.
• Key advantages of HBOCs include room-temperature storage and the elimination of blood typing and crossmatching requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) as blood substitutes in veterinary medicine.
• To discuss the chemical modifications of hemoglobin and their impact on oxygen transport.
• To highlight the current understanding and future prospects of HBOCs in veterinary applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers.
• Analysis of chemical modifications applied to hemoglobin for improved oxygen-carrying capacity and stability.
• Evaluation of the physiological and pharmacological properties of HBOCs.

Main Results:

• HBOCs, particularly those with modified hemoglobin, are poised for veterinary applications.
• Chemical modifications enhance the oxygen transport capabilities of hemoglobin.
• HBOCs offer practical advantages such as extended shelf life and simplified administration.

Conclusions:

• Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) show significant potential as effective blood substitutes in veterinary medicine.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the metabolic and toxicological effects of HBOC infusion.
• An approved HBOC product for veterinary use is anticipated in the near future.