Erythromer

ErythroMer is a blood substitute in development funded by the National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Defense.[1] It is novel in that unlike other blood substitutes—perfluorocarbon-based oxygen carriers (PFBOCs) and cell-free haemoglobin based oxygen carriers (HBOCs)—it is stored lyophilized and reconstituted when needed in emergency situations.[2] The product is stable for several months even when freeze-dried. This opens up the possibility of eventual stockpiling of ErythoMer making it easier to supply blood in large amounts to those who need it.[3]

The development of this technology was done at Washington University at St. Louis and UIUC.[4] Trials have been successful in rats, mice, and rabbits, and human trials are planned.[5]

ErythroMer is a reddish blood powder composed from hemoglobin from humans. By coating it with a synthetic polymer, it is able to sense pH changes, allowing for oxygen pick up in areas where the pH levels are high, and disposal where the levels are low.[6]

References

  1. "Grants and Contracts | Anesthesia Faculty Scholarship Newsletter | Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania". Med.upenn.edu. 2016-09-30. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  2. "5 questions as the world's top blood experts convene". Statnews.com. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  3. "The long quest to create artificial blood may soon be over". NBC News. Retrieved 2017-01-25.
  4. "ErythroMer Blood Substitute | Washington University in St. Louis". Otm.wustl.edu. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  5. "1027 Erythromer (EM), a Nanoscale Bio-Synthetic Artificial Red Cell: Proof of Concept and In Vivo Efficacy Results". Ash.confex.com. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  6. "The long quest to create artificial blood may soon be over". NBC News. Retrieved 2017-01-25.
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