Assessing the Biomechanical Properties of ErythroMer for Partical Integrity in an ex vivo Organ Perfusion System

Abstract

The development of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) is critical for advancing organ perfusion systems. This study evaluates the structural integrity of ErythroMer (EM), a novel oxygen carrying nanoparticle, as a potential blood substitute for ex vivo kidney perfusion systems. Shear stress assessments were conducted to simulate physiological forces within complex pump systems. This study was organized through three scientific aims: quantification of EM peak tolerance, assessing shear stability over time, and evaluating the impact of suspension medium on shear tolerance. These aims assessed EM shear stability as a safety metric, ensuring maintenance of particle integrity were it to be used as a perfusion solution within an organ pump system. The results demonstrated that EM maintains structural integrity and resistance to lysis, even under high levels of shear stress. These findings support the potential use of the EM particle in future organ perfusion pump systems and its broader applications in biomedical fields.