Author Spotlight: Utilizing Next-Generation Polymerized Human Hemoglobin for Improved Donor Lung Evaluation and Preservation in Rats

Ex vivo lung perfusion or EVLP enables extended evaluation of donor lungs. There are two perfusion solutions, an acellular and cellular. This study details using a polymerized human hemoglobin or a poly HB-based oxygen carrier as a perfusate in the protocol for testing this solution in a rat EVLP model.

The recent advances in ex vivo organ perfusion have enabled expanding the donor organ pool with improved function. Working to extend normothermic profusion times with tailored perfusates will allow for further advances in this space. Current perfusion techniques use cellular or acellular perfusates, each with pros and cons.

Perfusion composition is crucial for metabolic support, reducing inflammation and maintaining oncotic pressure. However, existing solutions can cause pulmonary edema and damage. Thus, it is necessary to develop novel perfusion solutions that prevent excessive damage while maintaining proper cellular homeostasis.

A promising hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier or HBOC is polymerized human hemoglobin synthesized from expired packed red blood cells. Our laboratory developed a next generation poly HB with minimal low molecular weight species and cell-free hemoglobin. This has shown improved biophysical characteristics and has reduced vasoconstriction, hypertension, and oxidative damage in animal studies.

These characteristics make it a promising perfusate candidate.