Characterization of perflorocarbon emulsions for use as oxygen carriers agents

Abstract

The basic principle of treatment in a massive blood loss is the bleeding site control and the volume loss replacement through blood transfusion. Transfusions have several drawbacks, for that reason perfluorocarbon emulsions (PFC) have been developed to replace the blood function of transport oxygen to tissues and maintain intravascular volume in case of hemorrhage. In addition, PFC emulsions must have physicochemical properties suitable to be compatible with the physiological medium. In order to know the emulsion properties and analyze their effects when it is used intravascularly, the emulsion was characterized evaluating the particle size distribution, rheological behavior, osmolality and pH over time.