Prolonged functional lifespan of artificial red cells by using the electron energies produced by erythrocyte glycolysis

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25282136
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Biomedical engineering/Biomaterial science and engineering
• Research Institution: Nara Medical University
• Principal Investigator: SAKAI HIROMI 奈良県立医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (70318830)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 人工酸素運搬体 / 人工赤血球 / リポソーム / ヘモグロビン / 電子伝達物質 / メトヘモグロビン / 輸血代替

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In vivo safety and efficacy of artificial red cells (Hb-vesicles, Hb-V) as a transfusion alternative have been clarified extensively. Gradual autoxidation of ferrous Hb in Hb-V to form ferric metHb is inevitable and results in decreased oxygen carrying capacity. We found that metHb in Hb-V can be reduced to ferrous Hb by using the electron energies produced by erythrocyte glycolysis, via methylene blue as a transmembrane electron mediator. We tested other 14 candidate mediators, and found some other potential molecules that can reduce metHb effectively, as did methylene blue. The requisite chemical properties as a potential electron mediator are clarified. We established an indirect enzymatic metHb reducing system for Hb-V using unlimited endogenous electrons created in RBCs in combination with an effective electron mediator that prolongs the functional lifespan of HbV in blood circulation.

Free Research Field

人工赤血球