ABSTRACT
Artificial red blood cells (ARBCs) are liposomes containing stroma-free hemoglobin (SFH) in the lumen, or lipid/heme in the membrane. Encapsulated SFH is protected from dissociation, loss of 2,3-DPG and supporting enzyme systems, and rapid elimination from circulation. Hence, ARBCs have oxygen binding and carrying characteristics similar to RBC. Large numbers of in vivo experiments show that ARBCs maintain animals alive in the absence of natural blood. Massive transfusions induce only mild transient hemodynamic and hematologic effects and do not cause significant toxicity in vital organs. Due to their favorable rheologic properties blood pressure, heart and respiration rate, vascular resistance and cardiac output remain within the normal range during massive transfusions. Due to the absence of membrane proteins ARBCs are ‘universal blood donors’, lyophilizable, and long-lasting in storage. ARBCs suppress RES. Human applications must wait until this effect is reduced.
