This expedited exploratory engineering research study will evaluate the feasibility of utilizing a novel method to form stable hemoglobin-in-oil-aqueous-saline-solution (Hb/o/w) multiple emulsions for use as an artiffical blood. With the development of this methodolgy, a concentrated hemoglobin solution will be emulsified in a suitable nontoxic oil phase, followed by dispersion of the primary emulsion into an outer aqueous phase, containing suitable nontoxic surfactant to form the multiple emulsion. The size of the microdroplets, the stability and thickness of the oil interfacial membrane enveloping the microdroplets, and the size of the primary emulsion droplets will be controlled to achieve rapid mass transfer of oxygen. The stability of the interfacial layer (i.e., a type of liquid membrane) will be assessed by measuring interfacial rheological properties.
