Liposomal-Encapsulated Stroma-Free Hemoglobin as a Potential Blood Substitute.
Abstract
We have successfully applied a new technique of high-yield encapsulation for liposome encapsulation of stroma-free hemoglobin (SFH). The procedure results in encapsulation of approximately 20% of a given SFH solution. The resulting hemoglobin-containing liposomes (HCL) range in size from approximately 0.05 to 1.0 microns in diameter. There is little or no binding of hemoglobin to these liposomes. The oxygen binding properties of the HCL are equal to or better than a corresponding amount of SFH in buffer. At 20 or 4 C leakage of hemoglobin from the HCL is minimal over 72 hrs. The HCL can be easily centrifuged and resuspended without significant lysis. Mild sucrose gradients (3-6%) can be used to separate the denser, hemoglobin-rich liposomes, from the lighter, hemoglobin-poor liposomes. These HCL are less sensitive to osmatic shock than are RBC's. In vivo studies show that uptake of liposomes by the reticuloendothelial system (RES) is not the primary mechanism for blood clearance of liposomes; disposition of intravenously administered liposomes is the result of circulating instability, tissue binding and, finally, RES uptake. Further, each of these processes is saturable. Results show that the liposomes of interest can be made reproducibly.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 02, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA137703
Entities
People
- C. A. Hunt
Organizations
- University of California, San Francisco