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In the process of the drug development, studies on the cytochrome P450 (CYP) profiles after its administration provided fundamental information regarding drug interactions with concomitantly administered drugs. Here, we evaluated the influence of the administration of H12-(ADP)-liposomes, a platelet substitute, on the mRNA and protein expression, and metabolic activity of CYPs, with focus on the CYP1A2, CYP2C11 and CYP3A2, in rat liver. At 24 h after administering saline or H12-(ADP)-liposomes (10 mg of lipids/kg), a quantitative RT-PCR and western blot analysis revealed that the mRNA and proteins expression of all of the target hepatic CYP isoforms were not different between the saline and H12-(ADP)-liposome groups. Furthermore, an ex vivo CYP metabolic activity assay showed that hepatic CYP metabolic activities in the H12-(ADP)-liposome group were comparable to the corresponding saline group. On the other hand, the area under the blood concentration-time curve for substitutes for CYP1A2 and CYP2C11 was higher in H12-(ADP)-liposome group than in saline group, but the degree of elevations was negligible levels. At a minimum, based on these results, we conclude that H12-(ADP)-liposomes have no quantitative and qualitative effect on the hepatic CYP isoforms, indicating that the drug interactions of H12-(ADP)-liposomes with CYP-metabolizing drugs would be negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroless NiP coatings are well known for their excellent properties and vast area of applications. In the present investigation, electroless NiP coating is applied on AISI 420 substrate, which is used for manufacturing medical instruments. As blood is a strong electrolyte, the steel, when comes in contact with blood for a long time, tends to corrode very fast. The primary objective of this work is to enhance the corrosion resistivity of AISI 420 stainless steel by the application of electroless NiP coating. The corrosion resistance of coated steel was investigated using both potentiodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in artificial blood plasma. Detailed microstructural investigation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy has been done. Microhardness measurement has been performed. The SEM images revealed the coatings to be primarily amorphous and changed to crystalline when heat treated at 300°C for 2 h. Microhardness of the as-plated coating was 592 HV and increased to 677 HV after heat treatment. Corrosion rate decreased from 4.694 × 10−4 mm/year of bare steel to 4.104 × 10−5 mm/year for coated and heat-treated steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Docetaxel is one of the most effective and safe chemotherapy drugs according to the World Health Organization, but its clinical use has been discontinued due to its various side effects. To reduce these side effects, the amount of docetaxel drug should be kept at the most effective level, it should be monitored in body fluids. Due to the limitations of traditional analytical methods used for this purpose, such as expensive and low sensitivity, labor-intensive and time-consuming complex preliminary preparation, efficient methods are required for the determination of the docetaxel level in the body. The increasing demand for the development of personalized therapy has recently spurred significant research into biosensors for the detection of drugs and other chemical compounds. In this study, an electrochemical-based portable nanobiosensor system was developed for the rapid, low-cost, and sensitive determination of docetaxel. In this context, mg-p(HEMA)-IMEO nanoparticles to be used as nanobiosensor bioactive layer was synthesized, characterized, and docetaxel determination conditions were optimized. According to the results obtained, the developed nanobiosensor system can detect docetaxel with a sensitivity of 2.22 mg/mL in a wide calibration range of 0.25-10 mg/mL, in only 15 min, in mixed media such as commercially available artificial blood serum and urine. determined. We concluded that the developed nanobiosensor system can be successfully used in routine drug monitoring as a low-cost biomedical device capable of direct, rapid, and specific drug determination within the scope of personalized treatment, providing point-of-care testing. HIGHLIGHTS: Therapeutic drug monitoring on-site has the potential to significantly save healthcare expenditures while also improving patient outcomes. Chromatography's applicability as a routine procedure is restricted by its lack of standardization, expensive equipment, lengthy turnaround times, and labor-intensive sample preparation. Overcoming these drawbacks, nanobiosensors provide an inexpensive, user-friendly, on-site analytical approach to fully explore the possibilities of therapeutic drug monitoring. In the graphical abstract, the nanobiosensor system for the docetaxel anticancer drug developed within the scope of the study is schematized. Nanoparticles with developed magnetic properties and modified specifically for docetaxel are used as a bioactive layer on the surface of the disposable surface imprinted electrode, and blood or urine samples taken from patients provide the amount of docetaxel in their content with potentiostat measurements, through this bioactive layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microfluidic technology has emerged as a powerful tool in studying arterial thrombosis, allowing researchers to construct artificial blood vessels and replicate the hemodynamics of blood flow. This technology has led to significant advancements in understanding thrombosis and platelet adhesion and aggregation. Microfluidic models have various types and functions, and by studying the fabrication methods and working principles of microfluidic chips, applicable methods can be selected according to specific needs. The rapid development of microfluidic integrated system and modular microfluidic system makes arterial thrombosis research more diversified and automated, but its standardization still needs to be solved urgently. One key advantage of microfluidic technology is the ability to precisely control fluid flow in microchannels and to analyze platelet behavior under different shear forces and flow rates. This allows researchers to study the physiological and pathological processes of blood flow, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of arterial thrombosis. In conclusion, microfluidic technology has revolutionized the study of arterial thrombosis by enabling the construction of artificial blood vessels and accurately reproducing hemodynamics. In the future, microfluidics will place greater emphasis on versatility and automation, holding great promise for advancing antithrombotic therapeutic and prophylactic measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymer composite Bismuth Titanate based lead-free binary system Nylon-11/0.75Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.25SrTiO3 (N11/BNTST) has been developed using the solution casting method in different ratio for advanced energy system. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to confirm the structure. XRD pattern of all samples shows the N11 and rhombohedral phase of BNT-ST with the presence of both phases for the composite. The surface microstructure of a nanocomposites film with a 70:30 N11:BNT-ST composition reveals homogenous BNT-ST nanoparticle dispersion in Nylon-11 matrix with negligible holes. However, compositions with a larger percentage of BNT-ST show agglomeration with a large number of pores, which lowers the dielectric constant and increases dielectric loss. At room temperature, the electrical characteristics of the produced N11/BNT-ST composite are examined periodically. The dielectric behavior of the materials exhibit a decrease in dielectric constant as well as loss with increasing frequency. The experimental data of the N11/BNTST, comparing the pure N11 polymer film to composite, the dielectric characteristics have significantly improved. The maximum dielectric response has been observed for 70N11-30BNTST composition. So, N11/BNTST composite has been shown to be a viable option for applications requiring electronic capacitive energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of haemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) is an excellent supplement to pre-hospital emergency blood transfusions. In this study, a new type of HBOC was prepared by using human cord haemoglobin (HCHb) and glutaraldehyde (GDA) and Bis(3,5-dibromosalicyl) fumarate (DBBF) to modify (DBBF-GDA-HCHb), the changes of physicochemical indexes during its preparation were evaluated, while a traditional type of GDA-HCHb was prepared, and the oxygen-carrying capacity of two type of HBOC was evaluated by a rat model of 135.0% exchange transfusion (ET). Eighteen SD male rats were selected, and were randomly divided into control group (5.0% albumin), DBBF-GDA-HCHb group and GDA-HCHb group. The 12 h survival rate of the C group was 16.67%, and the two HBOC groups were both 83.33%. Compared with GDA-HCHb, DBBF-GDA-HCHb can reduce lactic acid content by supplying oxygen to hypoxic tissues in a more timely manner, and can also can improve the reduction of MAP due to ischaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplementing sufficient oxygen to cells is always challenging in biomedical engineering fields such as tissue engineering. Originating from the concept of a 'blood substitute', nano-sized artificial oxygen carriers (AOCs) have been studied for a long time for the optimization of the oxygen supplementation and improvement of hypoxia environments in vitro and in vivo. When circulating in our bodies, micro-sized human red blood cells (hRBCs) feature a high oxygen capacity, a unique biconcave shape, biomechanical and rheological properties, and low frictional surfaces, making them efficient natural oxygen carriers. Inspired by hRBCs, recent studies have focused on evolving different AOCs into microparticles more feasibly able to achieve desired architectures and morphologies and to obtain the corresponding advantages. Recent micro-sized AOCs have been developed into additional categories based on their principal oxygen-carrying or oxygen-releasing materials. Various biomaterials such as lipids, proteins, and polymers have also been used to prepare oxygen carriers owing to their rapid oxygen transfer, high oxygen capacity, excellent colloidal stability, biocompatibility, suitable biodegradability, and long storage. In this review, we concentrated on the fabrication techniques, applied biomaterials, and design considerations of micro-sized AOCs to illustrate the advances in their performances. We also compared certain recent micro-sized AOCs with hRBCs where applicable and appropriate. Furthermore, we discussed existing and potential applications of different types of micro-sized AOCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate measurement of PM2.5 and its inorganic matters (IMs) is crucial for compliance monitoring and understanding particle formation. However, semi-volatile IMs (SVIMs) like NH4+, NO3-, and Cl- tend to evaporate from particles, causing sampling artifacts. The evaporation loss occurs due to many factors making the quantitative prediction difficult. This study aimed to investigate the evaporation loss of SVIMs in PM2.5 under different sampling conditions. In the field tests, when a normal single Teflon filter (STF) sampler, which is like a Federal Reference Method (FRM) sampler, was used to sample PM2.5 at ambient conditions, a significant SVIM evaporation loss was observed, resulting in negative biases for total IMs (-25.68 ± 3.25%) and PM2.5 concentrations (-9.87 ± 4.27%). But if PM2.5 was sampled by a chilled Teflon filter sampler (CTF) at 4 °C following aerosol dehumidification so that relative humidity (RH) was controlled to within the 10-20% range (RHd), evaporation loss was minimized with a bias of <±10% for both total IMs and PM2.5based on the reference data. When RHd is below 10%, both IMs and PM2.5 are under-measured, but only PM2.5 is over-measured when RHd is >20%. A model considering predictable saturation ratios for NH4+, NO3-, and Cl- under various pressure drop, temperature and RH conditions was developed to predict accurately the actual concentrations of PM2.5 and its SVIMs for the STF. Additionally, the ISORROPIA-II model predicted SVIMs effectively for the CTF. In summary, using the CTF at optimized sampling conditions can achieve accurate measurement of both SVIMs and PM2.5 concentrations simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunofluorescence staining is used to investigate proteins and protein interactions in oocytes. In typical protocols, the medium that suspends the oocytes requires replacement more than ten times during the staining procedure; this is time-consuming, technically challenging and not amenable to automation. We developed a filtration method using negative pressure to replace manual replacement of medium. We investigated oocyte loss, time required and staining results using our filtration method compared to traditional procedure. We found that our filtration method reduced oocyte loss by at least 60% and decreased the time required to obtain comparable staining outcomes. It provides an efficient and fast way to replace culture medium for oocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, detailed investigation on postdeposition halides treatment using CdCl2, CdI2, MgF2, MgCl2 and MgI2 is undertaken over thermally evaporated CdTe films. As-deposited films are subjected to halide treatment and subsequent annealing at 385°C. Halide activation induced grain growth mechanism is presented along with anions and cations roles on change in films properties and formation of different complexes. XRD patterns of all CdTe thin films exhibited polycrystalline nature with preferential cubic phased (310) plane except for CdI2 treated films where preferred reflection is appeared corresponding to (220) plane. Grain growth is observed with treatment employing amicable estimation tools. All films have a conspicuous ohmic character owing to linear I–V plots. Optical study reveals that CdCl2 treated CdTe films have higher absorbance and optical energy band-gap is measured out in the range 1.42–1.53 eV with halide treatment. Surface topography and PL study revealed to variations in surface roughness and photoluminescence peaks intensity with halide treatments. Film growth and treatment are validated by EDS analysis and FESEM images demonstrated explicit grain growth. Findings warrant amazing role of halide activation on film properties and CdCl2 is found a suitable surface treatment agent to CdTe films in order to develop better devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an electrochemical sensor towards the determination of an antimalarial drug, amodiaquine (Adqn), was performed. The proposed sensor was fabricated by electro-polymerisation of calcein (CCN) onto pencil graphite electrode (PGE). The electrochemical behaviour of 0.40 mM Adqn at both poly(calcein)-modified pencil graphite electrode (poly(CCN)/PGE) and bare PGE was evaluated in pH 3.0 Britton–Robinson buffer solution by cyclic voltammetry (CV) method. The voltammograms indicated that poly(CCN)/PGE presents a remarkable response towards oxidation and reduction of Adqn compared with PGE. The characterisation studies at poly(CCN)/PGE were performed by recording the electrochemical impedance curves, scanning electron microscopy images and energy-dispersive X-ray spectra. To determine the analytical performance of the poly(CCN)/PGE, the parameters such as linear range, limit of detection and sensitivity were determined based on the oxidation of Adqn by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method and were calculated to be 0.50–25 µM, 0.16 µM and 20.566 µA µM−1, respectively. The recovery studies at poly(CCN)/PGE were carried out with various matrixes (tap water, artificial blood and maternal milk) by DPV-spike methods, and the high recovery values (99.2–100.6%) confirmed that poly(CCN)/PGE can be used towards sensitive and accurate determination of Adqn in different sample matrixes containing Adqn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review concentrates on how artificial cells can contribute to helping patients with COVID-19. Artificial cells have led to mRNA vaccines with more improvements to come. Excessive cytokines in severe COVID-19 can damage organs leading to death. Artificial cell-based collodion macroporous activated charcoal adsorbent can effectively remove middle molecular weight range molecules in patients. A novel hemoperfusion device based on collodion membrane macroporous synthetic resin effectively removes cytokines and recovery in COVID-19 patients. This has been approved as an emergency treatment for COVID-19 in China, Europe, and Canada. A recent nanobiotherapeutic containing haemoglobin and up to six times the concentration of red blood cell enzymes: catalase, superoxide dismutase and carbonic anhydrase. In an animal study, this can effectively lower the damaging increase in free radicals and the removal of increased tissue pCO2. This can also help as blood substitute for the severe and critical problem of COVID-19 pandemic donor blood supply crisis. COVID-19 and its variants have resulted in major pandemics, severe sicknesses, and deaths around the world. COVID-19 and its variants has only started less than 3 years ago, and it is even more recently that we know more about its mechanisms, requirements, prevention, and treatment. This being the case, this is the first review on the present status and future perspectives of the use of the principle of artificial cells for COVID-19 related to vaccines, treatment, and critical donor blood supply shortage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is an integral component of cardiac surgery; however, one of its most critical complications is acute lung injury induced by multiple factors including systemic inflammatory response. The objective of this review is to investigate the multiple factors that can lead to CPB-induced lung injury. These include contact of blood components with the artificial surface of the CPB circuit, local and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), lung ischemia/re-perfusion injury, arrest of ventilation, and circulating endotoxins. We also focus on possible interventions to curtail the negative impact of CPB, such as off-pump surgery, impregnation of the circuit with less biologically active substances, leukocyte depletion filters and ultrafiltration, and pharmacological agents such as steroids and aprotinin. Although many aspects of CPB are proposed to contribute to lung injury, its overall role is still not clear. Multiple interventions have been introduced to reduce the risk of pulmonary dysfunction, with many of these interventions having shown promising results, significantly attenuating inflammatory mediators and improving post-operative outcome. However, since lung injury is multifactorial and affected by inextricably linked components, multiple interventions tackling each of them is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main complication of the abnormally invasive placenta is massive bleeding, with transfusions required frequently. We aim to evaluate the impact of interdisciplinary management on transfusion practices in women with abnormally invasive placenta. Clinical outcomes of women with abnormally invasive placenta treated between 2011 and 2019 were reviewed, including transfusion frequency. Patients divided into three groups: group A (women treated before the introduction of interdisciplinary management), group B (women attended to by a fixed interdisciplinary group), and group C (women with no accreta prenatal diagnosis). Patients with prenatal diagnosis and attended by a fixed interdisciplinary group (group B) required fewer units of red blood cells to be prepared and transfused (median number of units, 0 versus 2 in group A and 3 in group C). The participation of an interdisciplinary group, with strict standards for transfusion, reduces the frequency of use of blood substitutes during the care of women with abnormally invasive placenta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We want to investigate whether temperature measurements obtained from MR thermometry are accurate and reliable enough to aid the development and validation of simulation models for Laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT). Methods: Laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) is applied to ex-vivo porcine livers. An artificial blood vessel is used to study the cooling effect of large blood vessels in proximity to the ablation zone. The experimental setting is simulated using a model based on partial differential equations (PDEs) for temperature, radiation, and tissue damage. The simulated temperature distributions are compared to temperature data obtained from MR thermometry. Results: The overall agreement between measurement and simulation is good for two of our four test cases, while for the remaining cases drift problems with the thermometry data have been an issue. At higher temperatures local deviations between simulation and measurement occur in close proximity to the laser applicator and the vessel. This suggests that certain aspects of the model may need some refinement. Conclusion: Thermometry data is well-suited for aiding the development of simulations models since it shows where refinements are necessary and enables the validation of such models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of an encapsulation system consisting of a synthetic peptide which is fully biodegradable into non-toxic constituents. This system should be capable of encapsulating perfluorinated hydrocarbons and should be a promising basis for oxygen carriers to be used as artificial blood replacement. A diblock-peptide is synthesised following a phosgene-free method and characterised by 1H-NMR. Subsequently, this diblock-peptide is self-assembled with perfluorodecalin (PFD) to form PFD-filled capsules as potential artificial oxygen carriers allowing for rapid oxygen uptake and release. The diblock-peptide Bu-PAsp10-PPhe10 is successfully synthesised and used to encapsulate PFD. The capsules have a spherical shape with an average diameter of 360 nm in stable aqueous dispersion. NMR measurements prove their physical capability for reversible uptake and release of oxygen. The resulting capsules are expected to be fully biodegradable and possibly could act as oxygen carriers for artificial blood replacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic cathinones are the second most frequently seized group of new psychoactive substances. They are sold as replacements for controlled stimulants such as amphetamine, cocaine and MDMA. Synthetic cathinones are often determined in biological material collected from both living people and fatally intoxicated with these substances. The interpretation of analytical results usually requires a comparison to previously published cases, therefore, a referenced compilation of concentration ranges would be useful. Data collection was based on a search of PubMed and Google search engine. All the available data from articles where synthetic cathinones concentrations have been measured in whole blood, serum or plasma were included in the data analysis. Presented table lists the observed concentrations in fatal and non-fatal cases involving 47 synthetic cathinones. A reference list with original papers has been added for each compound, which makes it easy to find the source data. Conclusions regarding cause of death should be based upon the concentrations and knowledge of the clinical situation. Where there is clinical suspicion of death due to synthetic cathinones, postmortem blood concentrations >1 μg/mL (in person without developed tolerance) can be cautiously considered as lethal concentrations, however the exact ranges cannot be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personal protective equipment (PPE) Coverall is an essential protective garment for frontline healthcare workers involved in mitigation of COVID-19. Comfort and safety are the prime theme of design and development of coverall. The fabric selection, stitching and seam sealing are the major challenges in the development of PPE coverall. The technical information along with qualification/approval procedure involved in the manufacturing of PPE coverall is described in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small-caliber artificial blood vessels with inner diameters of smaller than 4 mm have not been put into practical use because of early thrombus formation and graft occlusion. To realize small-caliber artificial blood vessels with anti-thrombus property and long-term patency, one of the promising approaches is endothelialization of the lumen by tissue engineering approaches. Integrin α4β1 on the endothelial cell membrane is known to act as a receptor for Arg-Glu-Asp-Val (REDV) tetra-peptide, and this peptide can be used as a specific ligand to introduce endothelial cell attachment onto the surfaces of polymer scaffold. In this study, biodegradable polymer surface immobilizing REDV peptide were prepared, and the specific attachment of endothelial cells on it was investigated as a preliminary study for tissue-engineered small-caliber blood vessels in a future application. We synthesized copolymer of ε-caprolactone and depsipeptide having reactive carboxylic acid side-chain groups (PGDCL), and REDV peptide was attached to the copolymer to give PGDCL-REDV. The attachment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were investigated for the blend polymer film prepared by mixing PGDCL and PGDCL-REDV. The obtained blend polymer films exhibited sequence- and cell-specific HUVECs attachment through REDV peptide recognition. This technique should be useful not only to obtain artificial blood vessels which induce endothelialization and but also to provide biodegradable scaffolds with specific ligands immobilized surfaces for tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Chitosan nanofibers were successfully prepared and were used as carriers for the first time in urease immobilization. Also, urease immobilized electrospun PVA/Chitosan nanofibers were applied for the removal of urea from artificial blood serum by recycled reactor. The nanofibers were optimized and synthesized by electrospinning technique according to the operational parameters. The morphology and structure of the nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Urease was immobilized on the nanofibers by adsorption and crosslinking methods. According to immobilization results, nanofiber enhanced urease stability properties like thermal stability, pH stability, and reusability. Urease immobilized electrospun PVA/Chitosan nanofiber protected its activity by 85% after 10 uses and 45% after 20 uses. Urea removal rates of artificial blood serum were as follows: 100% at 1st cycle, 95% at 2nd, 3rd and 4th cycles; 85% at the 5th cycle; 76% at the 6th cycle, and 65% at the last three cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated haemoglobin (Hb)-microcapsules prepared by co-precipitation of Hb and MnCO3 may present an alternative type of artificial blood substitute. Prepared microcapsules were analysed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Respirometry, cytotoxicity was evaluated by addition of microcapsules to murine fibroblast-derived cell line L929 (American Type Culture Collection, NCTC clone 929 of strain L). The capsules come along with a mean diameter of approximately 0.6 μm and a mean volume of 1.13 × 10−19 L, thus an average human red blood cell with a volume of 9 × 10−14 L is about 800,000 times bigger. Hb-microcapsules are fully regenerable by ascorbic acid and maintain oxygen affinity because oxygen is able to pass the BSA wall of the capsules and thereby binding to the ferrous iron of the haemoglobin entity. Therefore, these microcapsules present a suitable type of potential artificial haemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HbOC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new amperometric dopamine sensor has been developed on the basis of modified screen-printed electrode (SPCE) with reduced graphene oxide (RGO), polyneutral red (PNR) and gold nanoparticles (AuNP). The electrochemical behaviour of dopamine on SPCE/RGO/PNR/AuNP was investigated. The prepared sensor showed a high electrocatalytic effect on the oxidation of dopamine. In the amperometric determination of DA, optimum working conditions (optimum pH, optimum working potential, linear working range) were determined. The optimum values of these parameters in DA determination were 7.0 for pH and +0.25 V for working potential. The results of analytical characterisations, repeatability for 50 µM DA, sensitivity, the limit of detection, the limit of quantification and the linear range were found to be 2.14% (n = 10) as relative standard deviation (RSD.), 13.38 µA mM−1; 0.17 µM; 0.57 and 0.57–500 µM, respectively. Operational stability studies have shown that the initial amperometric response of the sensor to dopamine decreased by 90.05% on day 60. Storage life studies showed that the sensitivity of the biosensor decreased by 18.88% at the end of the 8th week. Amperometric electrochemical analysis of DA using SPCE/RGO/PNR/AuNP electrode was performed in the presence of interfering electroactive species AA and UA. The developed sensor was tested for DA determination in artificial blood serum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new choline oxidase (ChO) and toluidine blue O (TBO) based amperometric choline biosensor was reported in this article. An amperometric choline biosensor with immobilization of TBO (as a mediator), ChO onto polypyrrole–polyvinylsulphonate (PPy–PVS) film was accomplished on the surface of a platinum electrode. ChO was immobilized on PPy–PVS film by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde (GA). TBO was used as the mediator. Choline is oxidized to betaine and hydrogen peroxide in an oxygenated environment by ChO. Mediator reduced by reaction with hydrogen peroxide. The amperometric response was based upon the electrocatalytic properties of TBO. Optimum pH and temperature values were 7.0 and 30 °C, respectively. There was linearity between 1.0 × 10−8 and 2.0 × 10−8 M (R2 = 0.9805). The detection limit of the biosensor was 1.0 × 10−9 M and response time of the biosensor was 200 s. The storage stability and reproducibility of the biosensor were also investigated. Interfering effect of several interferants such as ascorbic acid, uric acid, alanine, dopamine, paracetamol, cysteine, and glucose on the choline biosensor was examined. The developed biosensor was tested in determinations of content in a synthetic blood sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemoglobin-vesicles (HbVs) are artificial oxygen carriers encapsulating purified and concentrated hemoglobin solution in phospholipid vesicles (liposomes) and their safety and efficacy as a transfusion alternative have been evaluated. Because of the absence of enzymatic methemoglobin reduction system in HbV, the level of ferric methemoglobin (metHb) increases gradually after intravenous administration. Our previous studies clarified that the glycolytic electron energies, charged as NAD(P)H in red blood cells (RBC), are donated to reduce metHb compartmentalized in HbV via a water-soluble electron mediator such as methylene blue [MB; 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazinium chloride], which freely shuttle across both RBC biomembrane and HbV lipid membrane. Herein, we tried to test repeated injections of MB after the massive HbV administration (28 mL/kg) to hemorrhagic shocked Wistar rats (n = 3). MB was injected (3.1 mg/kg) at 7, 24 and 48 h after HbV administration. Every MB injection showed rapid reduction of metHb and gradual reversal increase. As a result, the functional life span of HbV was significantly extended over 60 h. It is expected that further optimization of injection scheduling will decrease the total amount of MB and prolong the functional life span of HbV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) are modified stroma-free hemoglobin molecules used in developing a blood substitute for therapeutic usage. In order to prevent hemoglobin dissociation, glutaraldehyde (GTA) was used to generate high-molecular weight heterogeneous crocodile hemoglobin (Poly-cHb). This work, Poly-cHb was created using various GTA concentrations, ranging from 0.025-0.150% (v/v). Physicochemical properties were investigated that were comparable GTA polymerized human hemoglobin (Poly-hHb). This study has revealed that GTA polymerization increases the molecular size of Native-cHbs from 14.10 nm over a range from 16.31 to 54.27 nm. Moreover, this polymerization alters the secondary structure and heme environment by decreasing the helicity ratio from 1.00 to 0.95 at the highest condition and exhibits hypochromic shift of the Soret band to be 0.88 times lower than the native. However, all Poly-cHbs still possessed higher oxygen affinity than that of Poly-hHbs with average P50 values of 13 and 21 mmHg, respectively. Although, polymerization affected the overall Poly-cHb structure slightly, but compensated by decreasing the denaturation level to lower than 10%. Thus, it is interesting to note that Poly-cHb may advantageously provide effective oxygen carriage and ability for pasteurization, which may benefit the search for new alternative hemoglobin sources for HBOC development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is only in the last 20 years that many of the original ideas on artificial cells are being increasingly applied and extended by researchers around the world. Artificial cell has now evolved into nanomedicine, biotherapeutics, blood substitutes, drug delivery, enzyme/gene therapy, cancer therapy, cell/stem cell therapy, nanoparticles, liposomes, bioencapsulation, replicating synthetic cells, cell encapsulation/scaffold, biosorbent/immunosorbent haemoperfusion/plasmapheresis, regenerative medicine, encapsulated microbe, nanobiotechnology, nanotechnology and other areas. More futuristic research includes nanorobot, nanocomputer, multimodal locomotion delivery robot and others. This review starts with a general overview followed by specific examples in more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a serious case of right ventricular wall damage during mediastinitis treatment, which was successfully treated with negative-pressure wound therapy with continuous instillation (NPWT-CI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, tri-layer fabrics for surgical gown applications were developed using polypropylene spunbond, polypropylene melt-blown and polyester/rayon spunlace (hydro-entangled) nonwoven layers with the aid of a fusing machine and polypropylene powder as the bonding agent. Weight, thickness, bending rigidity, grab tensile properties, bursting strength, air permeability, water vapour transmission rate, hydrostatic pressure, water resistance (impact penetration test), and synthetic blood repellency of the fabrics (unfinished and finished with water repellent polymethylhydrosiloxanes solution) were measured and the data was statistically analyzed. The results showed that the finished fabric composed of the spunbond outer layer, melt-blown middle layer, and spunlace inner layer, meets the blood repellency requirements of level 4 protection according to the barrier protection classification of Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). The other samples, i.e. untreated type of abovementioned sample and treated and untreated tri-layer of spunbond, melt-blown, spunbond samples offer level 2 protection according to AAMI classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human platelets play important roles in several physiologic and pathologic processes. Any defects in platelet number and function can lead to a variety of bleeding complications; platelet transfusions are commonly used to improve platelet count and hemostatic function in these cases. However, transfusions are complicated by the short storage life of donated platelets and contamination risks. Synthetic platelet substitutes can render efficient hemostasis while allowing advantages of large-scale preparation, minimum contamination risk via effective sterilization, longer shelf-life, no need for blood type matching, and reduced risks of biologic or pathologic side effects. Recent efforts in synthetic platelet design have additionally focused on applications including hemostasis, drug delivery, and targeted delivery of cancer therapeutics. In the present review, we summarize the advancement of platelet-inspired nanomedicine for artificial blood component, tumor research, and treatment of thrombi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term safety and immunological effects of bovine poly-[haemoglobin-catalase-superoxide dismutase-carbonic anhydrase] in rats are studied by four-weekly 5% blood volume top-loading infusions followed by 30% blood volume exchange transfusion. There is no significant difference in growth, biochemistry and blood pressure between the control group receiving lactated ringer solution and those receiving the bovine poly-[haemoglobin-catalase-superoxide dismutase-carbonic anhydrase]. There is no significant change in mean arterial pressures (MAP) before and after each weekly top-loading infusion. After both the four weekly top-loading and the 30% exchange transfusions, the following safety and immune response evaluations are carried out. These include general studies on Ouchterlony double diffusion, total IgG and IgM, and complement activation. This is followed by quantitative measurements of specific antibodies against each of the following bovine components: Hb, CAT, SOD and CA in bovine poly-[haemoglobin-catalase-superoxide dismutase-carbonic anhydrase]. After the four weekly top-loading, each rat received a challenge of 30% blood volume exchange transfusion. The MAP, histamine and tryptase levels are tested before and after the 30% exchange transfusion. There are no anaphylactic reactions as shown by the MAP or histamine and tryptase. The results showed no safety problem nor adverse immune responses. All the rats survived when followed for one week after the 30% exchange transfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earlier studies have clarified that NADH and NADPH, re-energized repeatedly by red blood cell (RBC) glycolysis, can be used in extracellular chemical reactions, where electron energies are extracted by electron mediators, such as methylene blue (MB). The electron mediators, which are reduced by NAD(P)H, permeate both the membranes of RBC and phospholipid bilayer of liposomes encapsulating haemoglobin (Hb-vesicles, HbV) and reduce autoxidized ferric methemoglobin (metHb) in HbV to ferrous Hb. Moreover, in vitro screening study clarified some other potential electron mediators with comparable capacity to reduce metHb. Given this background, eight of these compounds: MB, 1,9-dimethyl MB, azure A, azure B (AB), azure, toluidine blue, brilliant cresyl blue and toluylene blue, were evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo studies in this work. Compared with MB as a reference, in vitro experiments demonstrated that most compounds caused effective metHb reduction of HbV in the presence of RBC. However, in vivo experiments of bolus injection of autoxidized HbV to rats (10 mL HbV/kg body weight) followed by injection of the dye (1.53 mL/kg body weight, 2.6 mM) led to some differences from in vitro results. Effective metHb reduction was found for the combination of AB. To evaluate AB effectiveness further, a haemorrhagic shock and resuscitation model was used, where the rats were resuscitated with HbV. When the level of metHb increased to 50%, a dye solution was injected. Again, AB caused sufficient reduction of metHb. Through these in vivo experiments, this study clarified that AB is a suitable electron mediator to prolong the functional lifetime of HbV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since donated red blood cells must be constantly refrigerated, they are often unavailable in remote areas and battlefields. The goal of this study was to synthesize a highly stable blood substitute that does not require refrigeration. Specifically, the extracellular haemoglobin (a.k.a. erythrocruorin, Ec) of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris erythrocruororin (LtEc) was cross-linked with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and ethylene diamine (EDA). PAGE analysis of the LtEc nanoparticles reveals cross-linking between subunits, while dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy show that cross-linking significantly increases the size of the LtEc nanoparticles (164 ± 13.9 nm). Cross-linking also significantly increased the thermal stability of the LtEc nanoparticles by 10 °C (Tm = 72 ± 0.84 °C) relative to native LtEc (Tm = 62 ± 0.6 °C). In addition, while native LtEc rapidly dissociates at pH 9, the LtEc nanoparticles resist subunit dissociation up to pH 10. The oxygen affinity of the LtEc nanoparticles (P50 = 6.85 ± 0.13 mm Hg) is much higher than native LtEc (P50 = 26.67 ± 0.4 mm Hg), but the cooperativity (n = 2.43 ± 0.12) is not affected. Altogether, these results show that cross-linking LtEc with PAA and EDA provides a potential blood substitute with increased stability and oxygen affinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutaraldehyde (GA), used medically as a disinfectant and as a crosslinker for haemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs), was investigated for its ability to inactivate viruses during the preparation of these artificial blood substitutes. Porcine parvovirus (PPV; a non-enveloped DNA virus) and porcine pseudorabies virus (PRV; an enveloped DNA virus) were used as the virus indicators. Upon treatment with 0.1 mM GA, the titer of PRV decreased from 9.62 log10to 2.62 log10within 0.5 h, whereas that of PPV decreased from 7.00 log10to 2.30 log10in 5 h. Following treatment with 1.0 mM GA, the titer of PRV decreased from 11.00 log10to 1.97 log10within 0.5 h, whereas that of PPV decreased from 7.50 log10to 3.43 log10in 4.5 h. During the polymerization of Hb with GA, the GA concentration decreased to 1.0 and 0.1 mM within 30 and 50 min, respectively, at a GA:Hb molar ratio of 10:1, whereas at a GA:Hb molar ratio of 30:1, GA decreased to those same concentrations in 1.5 and 2.5 h, respectively. This rapid decrease in GA concentration during its polymerization with Hb indicates that GA must be added into the Hb solution in a short time in order to get as high a initial concentration as possible. In this study, the GA can only inactivate PRV effectively, given that a longer time (4.5 h) was required for it to inactivate the PPV titer. This study therefore demonstrates that GA inactivates the enveloped DNA virus only during the preparation of HBOCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limitations associated with the storage of red blood cells have motivated the development of novel blood substitutes that are able to withstand long-term storage at elevated temperatures. The hemoglobin of the earthwormLumbricus terrestris(LtEc) is an attractive blood substitute candidate, since it is resistant to oxidation and aggregation during storage. Several factors were investigated to optimize the thermal and oxidative stability of LtEc during storage, including pH, antioxidant supplements, and deoxygenation. A strategy for the reduction of fully oxidized LtEc with antioxidants was also developed. Overall, LtEc was shown to have the highest thermal stability in Ringer’s Modified Lactate solution with 10 mM HEPES at pH 7.0. Deoxygenation of the LtEc was also shown to significantly reduce oxidation of the ferrous heme iron (e.g., %Fe2+ after 7 d at 37 °C = 75.7%). However, even in cases where oxidation does occur, the addition of 1.8 mM ascorbic acid (AA) was found to reduce 98.3% of the oxidized LtEc (37 μM heme). Most importantly, the oxygen transport properties of LtEc were unaffected by storage at high temperatures or oxidation followed by reduction with AA. These results show that LtEc can be stored at high temperatures (37 °C) without any significant loss of function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the development of artificial red blood cell (RBC) substitutes, oxidation side reaction is one of the major factors that hinder the application of haemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs). In order to avoid oxidation toxicity, we designed and prepared natural Hb conjugated with ferulic acid (FA) via simple chemical modification. In addition, the thiol groups on Hb surface were increased via the reaction of Hb with 2-iminothiolane (2-IT) and then modified with FA for the study of anti-oxidant ability. It was showed that Hb modified with FA (FA-Hb) had similar oxygen-binding capacity to natural Hb. Moreover, the anti-oxidant ability of FA-Hb in vitro in different systems was superior to natural Hb and in proportion to the degree of modification of FA. The results indicate that FA-Hb might have the potential to serve as a novel oxygen carrier with the capacity to reduce oxidative side reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers are under consideration as oxygen therapeutics. Their effect on apoptosis is critical, because the onset of pro-apoptotic pathways may lead to tissue damage. MP4OX, a polyethylene glycol-conjugated human Hb preserves the baseline level of neuron apoptosis with respect to sham. Here we develop a method for measuring Hb extravasation in brain. We exchange transfused rats by haemorrhaging 50% of their blood with simultaneous, isovolemic replacement with Hextend (negative control), MP4OX, or αα-cross-linked Hb. Animals were sacrificed 2 h after transfusion, brain tissue was harvested and processed for double-staining immunofluorescence, whereby Hb ? chain and NeuN (a neuron protein) were stained and quantitated. Whereas Hextend did not induce Hb extravasation, in both MP4OX and ??Hb brains Hb molecules were detected outside neurons. The level of extravasated Hb chains was > 3-fold higher in Hb compared to MP4OX. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression levels of protein related to redox imbalance (e.g., Nrf2, iNOS and ERK phosphorylation) were higher in ααHb than MP4OX. In conclusions, higher Hb extravasation in ααHb than MP4OX induces redox imbalance, which causes higher anti-oxidant response. Whereas Nrf2 response may be considered protective, iNOS response appears damaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to prove whether albumin-derived perfluorocarbon-based nanoparticles (capsules) can operate as a novel artificial oxygen carrier in a rat Langendorff-heart perfusion model. Hearts perfused with capsules showed increased left ventricular pressure and rate pressure product compared to hearts perfused with pure Krebs–Henseleit (KH)-buffer. The capsules prevented the myocardium from functional fail when in their absence a noxious ischemia was observed. Capsules did not change rheological properties of KH-buffer and could repeatedly reload with oxygen. This albumin-derived perfluorocarbon-based artificial oxygen carrier preserved the function of rat hearts due to the transport of oxygen in a satisfactory manner. Because of these positive results, the functionality of the applied capsules should be verified in living animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to compare the resistance to heme exposure between myoglobin, bovine hemoglobin, and OxyVita®Hb (zero-link-hemoglobin-polymer). The rate of release of heme-iron is related to the tissue oxidative stress that can elicit deleterious effects in clinical uses of blood substitutes. Experimental work has focused on the unfolding of hemoglobin molecules, resulting in heme loss, by using urea as a denaturant and analyzing the Soret spectral region. These unfolding studies provide evidence for both the structural integrity and redox stability of OxyVita®Hb and demonstrate that OxyVita®Hb does not readily unfold and its heme exposure/release is greatly reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemerythrin is an oxygen-carrying protein found in marine invertebrates and may be a promising alternative to hemoglobin for use in blood substitutes, primarily due to its negligible peroxidative toxicity. Previous studies have shown that glutaraldehyde-induced copolymerization of hemoglobin with bovine serum albumin increases the half-life of the activeoxyform of hemoglobin (i.e. decreases the auto-oxidation rate). Here, we describe a protocol for glutaraldehyde copolymerization of Hr with human serum albumin and the dioxygen-binding properties of the co-polymerized products. The copolymerization with HSA results in alteration of hemerythrin’s dioxygen-binding properties in directions that may be favorable for use in blood substitutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a 0.138% incidence of adverse reactions related to blood transfusion. Transfusion-related acute lung injury, immunosuppression, fever, pathogen transmission, and hemolytic transfusion reactions are the most common ones. Synthetic oxygen carriers have been developed to deal with blood shortages and for use in the field where stored blood was not available. They were also designed to be pathogen free, including unknown viruses. In this study, we used Male Golden Syrian Hamsters implemented with a dorsal window chamber to determine how infusion of three different, genetically crosslinked recombinant acellular hemoglobin (rHb) solutions with different oxygen affinities and nitric oxide kinetics affect mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), kidney function, and kidney structure. We found that the administration of all three rHb solutions caused mild hypertension and bradycardia 30 minutes after infusion. However, acute changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were not detected, even though histological analysis was performed 72 hours after treatment revealed some structural changes. All the rHb solutions resulted in hypertension 30 minutes after a 10% topload administration. Regardless of their properties, the presence of acellular Hb causes significant alterations to kidney tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strengthening education and training in the forensic sciences requires the implementation of new and innovative technologies into existing teaching strategies. Scientific research in the design and use of artificial substitutes can offer new and advantageous contributions to such initiatives. This article describes the relevant considerations and advantages to designing a forensic blood substitute for use in forensic education and training facilities. BPA training materials must ensure safety, reliability, feasibility, and value added. Each of these considerations is addressed with a particular focus on the educational benefits (value added) that a forensic blood substitute can offer. In particular, the visual affordances of the material designed for this study will be highlighted in terms of its educational benefits to the training of scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The application of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) remains stagnant because a large number of reactive oxygen species (ROS) will be produced in organisms when HBOCs are used. Ferulic acid (FA) has a known effect on quenching oxygen free radicals and relieving vasospasm. Thus a kind of FA modified hemoglobin (BAEGF-Hb) is expected to produce the anti-oxidation effect on HBOCs spontaneously, and reduce toxicity. Isoelectric focusing electrophoresis, UV–vis wavelength scanning, and oxygen affinity curve showed that hemoglobin (Hb) was successfully modified and this modification had no effect on the structure of Hb andP50. The modification degree of Hb is 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyhemoglobin-superoxide dismutase-catalase-carbonic anhydrase (Poly-[Hb-SOD-CAT-CA]) contains all three major functions of red blood cells (RBCs) at an enhanced level. It transports oxygen, removes oxygen radicals and transports carbon dioxide. Our previous studies in a 90-min 30 mm Hg Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) sustained hemorrhagic shock rat model shows that it is more effective than blood in the lowering of elevated intracellular pCO2, recovery of ST-elevation and histology of the heart and intestine. This paper is to analyze the storage and temperature stability. Allowable storage time for RBC is about 1 d at room temperature and 42 d at 4 °C. Also, RBC cannot be pasteurized to remove infective agents like HIV and Ebola. PolyHb can be heat sterilized and can be stored for 1 year even at room temperature. However, Poly-[Hb-SOD-CAT-CA] contains both Hb and enzymes and enzymes are particularly sensitive to storage and heat. We thus carried out studies to analyze its storage stability at different temperatures and heat pasteurization stability. Results of storage stability show that lyophilization extends the storage time to 1 year at 4 °C and 40 d at room temperature (compared to respectively, 42 d and 1 d for RBC). After the freeze-dry process, the enzyme activities of Poly-[SFHb-SOD-CAT-CA] was 100 ± 2% for CA, 100 ± 2% for SOD and 93 ± 3.5% for CAT. After heat pasteurization at 70 °C for 2 h, lyophilized Poly-[Hb-SOD-CAT-CA] retained good enzyme activities of CA 97 ± 4%, SOD 100 ± 2.5% and CAT 63.8 ± 4%. More CAT can be added during the crosslinking process to maintain the same enzyme ratio after heat pasteurization. Heat pasteurization is possible only for the lyophilized form of Poly-[Hb-SOD-CAT-CA] and not for the solution. It can be easily reconstituted by dissolving in suitable solutions that continues to have good storage stability though less than that for the lyophilized form. According to the P50 value, Poly-[SFHb-SOD-CAT-CA] retains its oxygen carrying ability before and after long-term storage. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We, the Publisher and Editor of I Pharmaceutical Development and Technology i , have retracted the following article. The Editor has determined the findings of the article are unreliable and requested for the article to be retracted. [Extracted from the article]

This means that more albumin makes the solution of artificial plasma more acidic, but its resilience against pH shifts in response to changing pCO SB 2 sb ("the buffer power") is decreased. For each albumin concentration, we calculated buffer power as the slope of the [H SP + sp ]/pCO SB 2 sb regression line. We aimed to test in a direct experiment how albumin concentration in artificial plasma and blood affects the resistance to pH change in response to experimental pCO SB 2 sb manipulations. [Extracted from the article]

We report a novel method to simultaneously extract superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and carbonic anhydrase (CA) from the same sample of red blood cells (RBCs). This avoids the need to use expensive commercial enzymes, thus enabling a cost-effective process for large-scale production of a nanobiotechnological polyHb-SOD-CAT-CA complex, with enhancement of all three red blood cell functions. An optimal concentration of phosphate buffer for ethanol-chloroform treatment results in good recovery of CAT, SOD, and CA after extraction. Different concentrations of the enzymes can be used to enhance the activity of polyHb-SOD-CAT-CA to 2, 4, or 6 times that of RBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative reactions of hemoglobin (Hb) are still a serious problem for Hb-based blood substitute development. Although varieties of antioxidant strategies have been suggested, this in vitro study examined the ability of the ascorbate, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC), 4-hydroxy-2, 2, 6, 6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxygen free radicals (TEMPO) and their reductant system in preventing Hb oxidation. The content of ferric Hb is monitored in the process of vitamin C (Vc), NAC, TEMPO and their reductant system. The results suggest that ascorbate is effective in reducing ferryl Hb, and TEMPO with Vc/NAC could obviously shorten the reaction time, but it does not play the role of Met-Hb reductases. It demonstrates that TEMPO did little to recover Hb under oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly( n-butyl-cyanoacrylate)-nanocapsules filled by perfluorodecalin (PFD) are proposed as potential oxygen carriers for blood substitute. The capsule dispersion is prepared via interfacial polymerisation from a PFD emulsion in water which in turn is generated by spontaneous phase separation. The resulting dispersion is capable of carrying approximately 10% of its own volume of gaseous oxygen, which is approximately half of the capacity of human blood. The volumes of the organic solvents and water are varied within a wide range, connected to a change of the capsule radius between 200 and 400 nm. The principal suitability of the capsule dispersion for intravenous application is proven in first physiological experiments. A total amount of 10 ml/kg body weight has been infused into rats, with the dispersion supernatant and a normal saline solution as controls. After the infusion of nanocapsules, the blood pressure as well as the heart rate remains constant on a normal level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemoglobin (Hb) derivatization for blood substitute purposes often involves multi-step processes including redox reagents such as borohydride and periodate, with possible subsequent side effects. Disuccinimidyl suberate (DSS) allows protein cross-linking without toxic side-products, forming one-step peptide bonds with the lysine residues. Here, we report that Hb polymers were obtained using DSS, making this the first report of a single-step polymerization for blood substitutes. The increase in autooxidation rate incurred by this polymerization is completely reversed when BSA is copolymerized with Hb. Copolymerization of Hb with BSA appears to be beneficial for alleviating pro-oxidant effects, regardless of the polymerizing agent employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]