Development of artificial red cells (ARC) produced by γ-ray induced polymerization of liposomes

Artificial red cells (ARC) are prepared by encapsulating Hb with a polymerizable phospholipid. The polymerization of the vesicles were carried out with the irradiation of γ-rays. The irradiated ARC are physically more stable than any other known liposome type blood substitutes. Because of this stability, they can be easily stored under frozen condition for a long time. No significant changes were observed in vivo study with rats in which ARC were injected intravenously. The oxygen transport capacity of ARC was similar to that of native red blood cells.