Highly Robust, Temperature-Stable, Nano-structured Fluoropolymers for Battlefield Resuscitation Applications

Highly fluorinated, nanoscaled polymers were developed in a Phase I program (Contract No. W81XWH-04-C-0132) as an oxygen-carrying treatment for hemorrhagic shock in battlefield environments. These were highly soluble in water and buffered electrolyte solution (up to roughly 50% weight/volume) and were thermally stable up to 167 °C. Mixing the polymers with dilute canine blood significantly enhanced its ability to carry oxygen. The program described in this Phase II proposal will further improve upon the oxygen carrying capacity, thermal stability and biocompatibility of this polymer-based treatment. Efficacy will be tested with rabbit heart perfusion studies and treatment of induced hemorrhagic shock in swine models. These nanoscaled polymers will meet the requirements for an effective hemorrhagic shock treatment that is lightweight and stable across a wide range of temperatures. BENEFITS: A number of potentially high-value applications have been identified in the literature for other blood substitutes, such as fluorocarbon emulsions. These include: (1) resuscitation fluids; (2) preoperative hemodilution; (3) perfusion of ischemic tissues; (4) adjuncts to cancer treatment; (5) perfusion and preservation of organs for transplant; (5) contrast agents for ultrasonic in vivo imaging; (6) cell cultures. Consequently, further development and testing of nano-scaled polymers for battlefield resuscitation applications in Phase II will lead to their deployment in some or all of these related and commercially promising fields.