Abstract
Hemoglobin (Hb) is the most abundant protein in blood, and compartmentalized in red blood cells (RBCs). Once Hb is released from RBCs in blood circulation, it induces some toxicities. Various types of hemoglobin–based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) have been developed to mitigate the Hb toxicities. One method is to encapsulate Hb in biocompatible phospholipid vesicles (liposomes) to prepare Hb–vesicles (HbV). A new encapsulation method using a rotation–revolution mixer provided efficient preparation of HbV that has considerably facilitated R&D of HbV. Preclinical safety and efficacy of HbV as a transfusion alternative have been extensively studied by the academic consortium, and the results urged us to initiate a clinical trial. In this review paper are focused on the biocompatible lipid bilayer membrane and the efficient preparation method of liposome encapsulated Hb.
