Development Process and Clinical Application of Artificial Oxygen Carriers

Gülşah Çelik Korhan

doi:10.5281/zenodo.15775627

Authors

Gülşah Çelik Korhan Harran Üniversitesi https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2949-6287

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15775627

Keywords:

Artificial oxygen carriers, Hemoglobin based carriers, Perfluorocarbon based oxygen carriers, Stem cell based oxygen carriers, O₂ microbubbles

Abstract

Artificial oxygen carriers have been developed as alternatives to erythrocytes in situations involving trauma, surgical interventions, childbirth, gastric ulcers, hemorrhagic shock, vascular rupture, and other conditions that result in sudden blood volume loss. Through these carriers, therapeutic oxygen delivery presents a promising approach for the treatment of various disease models. However, the development of stable, non-toxic, and immunologically inert artificial oxygen carriers remains a critical need. Despite numerous challenges encountered during their development, the application of these carriers has been demonstrated in a wide range of clinical settings, including elective and cardiovascular surgeries, hemorrhagic shock, decompression sickness, acute stroke, myocardial infarction, sickle cell crisis, and cerebral hypoxia.

This review comprehensively examines the roles of various types of artificial oxygen carriers used in therapeutic oxygen delivery, including hemoglobin-based, perfluorocarbon-based, stem cell-derived, and oxygen micro/nanobubble systems. In addition, potential side effects and limitations associated with these approaches are evaluated in the context of completed and ongoing studies as well as current clinical advancements. Furthermore, the review aims to contribute to the existing literature and guide future research by outlining the essential requirements for the development of ideal artificial oxygen carriers and proposing prospective solutions.

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