On the Interaction of the Liposomal Membrane with Blood Components

Abstract

Liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH) has been shown to be a viable candidate as a blood replacement. However, few data have been presented as to how LEH interacts with normal blood components. Liposomes were prepared from egg lecithin, cholesterol, and dicetyl phosphate or phosphatidic acid, and mixed with fresh blood plasma or whole blood. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility, prothrombin time (extrinsic coagulation efficiency), activated partial thromboplastin time (intrinsic coagulation efficiency), plasma clot stability in urea (fibrin stabilizing factor), and clot retraction (platelet activation) were measured. Although liposomes were found to bind extensively to erythrocytes, all tests indicated that the liposomes had no significant adverse effects, provided that normal levels of plasma Ca⁺⁺ were maintained. The ability of liposomes to absorb Ca⁺⁺ from the plasma was related directly to the amount of dicetyl phosphate or phosphatidic acid present and thus, presumably, to the presence of negatively charged species in the membrane. The mechanics of deformation of the LEH membrane were investigated by encapsulating Hemoglobin S in liposomes. Liposomes containing Hemoglobin S were found to sickle when deoxygenated, but not liposomes containing normal hemoglobin. Shape analysis of sickled liposomes yielded a deforming stress of 10⁶ dynes/cm², about 50 times greater than the reported limit for shear elasticity of the erythrocyte membrane.