8 b] Write a short note on following i] Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) ii]Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carriers (HBOCs):
- These are derived from purified and modified hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells. HBOCs are designed to mimic the oxygen-carrying capability of red blood cells.
- Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) are substances designed to serve as blood substitutes by carrying and delivering oxygen to tissues in the body. These HBOCs are synthesized in the laboratory and have been developed as potential alternatives to traditional blood transfusions
- Purpose: The primary purpose of HBOCs is to provide a source of oxygen to the body when traditional blood transfusions are not readily available or are not suitable for a patient. This can be especially important in emergency situations, trauma cases, or when blood is in short supply.
- Composition: HBOCs are typically made from purified and modified hemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen in red blood cells. Hemoglobin molecules can be derived from various sources, including human, bovine, or recombinant DNA technology.
- Oxygen Transport: HBOCs can effectively carry and release oxygen to tissues in a manner similar to red blood cells. When HBOCs are infused into the bloodstream, they can bind to oxygen in the lungs and release it in areas with low oxygen concentrations, such as ischemic tissue.
- Benefits and challenges: Immediate Availability, Universal Compatibility.
- Challenges and Concerns: Short Half-Life, Ethical Considerations
Perfluorocarbon-Based Oxygen Carriers (PFCs):
- These substitutes contain perfluorocarbon molecules, which have a high oxygen-carrying capacity. PFC-based blood substitutes do not rely on hemoglobin and can dissolve a large amount of oxygen.
- Perfluorocarbon-based oxygen carriers (PFCs) are a type of blood substitute designed to transport and deliver oxygen to body tissues. They are synthetic compounds composed of carbon and fluorine atoms, and they have several unique properties that make them valuable in medical and industrial applications
- Oxygen-Carrying Capacity: PFCs are capable of dissolving a significant amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This property makes them efficient oxygen carriers, similar to hemoglobin in red blood cells.
- Lack of Hemoglobin: Unlike hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs), PFCs do not contain hemoglobin, This absence of hemoglobin also means that PFCs are not susceptible to issues like sickling or clotting.
- Biocompatibility: PFCs are biocompatible, meaning they do not elicit strong immune responses or adverse reactions when introduced into the bloodstream. This property makes them potentially suitable for a wide range of medical applications.
- Liquid at Room Temperature: PFCs are liquid at room temperature, which allows for easy handling and administration. They can be injected directly into the bloodstream, where they can mix with natural blood components.
- Blood Replacement: PFCs can serve as a temporary oxygen carrier in situations where blood transfusion is not possible or desired.
- Imaging: PFCs are used as contrast agents in medical imaging, such as MRI.