Hemoglobin vesicles as a molecular assembly. Characteristics of preparation process and performances as artificial oxygen carriers

Hiromi Sakai*, Keitaro Sou, Shinji Takeoka, Koichi Kobayashi, Eishun Tsuchida

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Liposome encapsulated hemoglobin is a long-sought goal in Japan, where the product is called hemoglobin vesicles (HbV), which distinguishes this product from the one developed primarily in the US, whose designation is liposome-encapsulated Hb (LEH). HbV is the result of a long series of studies in which the size of the vesicles, including the number of lipid layers, the surface composition and materials co-encapsulated have been optimized. HbV is produced by an extrusion process that has commercial potential, although at this time the product has not yet been produced in quantities sufficient for clinical trials. Sterilization of the hemoglobin, prior to encapsulation, is performed using heat, and antioxidants are co-encapsulated to retard hemoglobin oxidation. Oxygen affinity is regulated to any desired P50 by co-encapsulation of allosteric effectors, and this group has contributed important studies on the effect of different P 50 on oxygen delivery to tissues by HbV. The product is claimed to be stable when stored for up to 2 years. A commercial effort has been launched in Japan, and it is hoped that HbV could be in human clinical trials within the next few years. This chapter summarizes the characteristics of the preparation process of HbV based on the sciences of molecular assembly to induce their excellent performances.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBlood Substitutes
PublisherElsevier Ltd
Pages514-522
Number of pages9
ISBN (Print)9780127597607
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)

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