Oxygen affinity
Reversible binding and the local pO₂ gradient govern release. Historical HBOC-201 is reported near P50 40 mmHg at 37°C; BHOC-specific characterization is required.
The physiology
Cell · Organ · Whole System
Oxygen availability and metabolic demand change across the transplant journey. The research task is to characterize the carrier and measure whether organ function can be supported under defined conditions.
The molecular idea
The molecule responds.
Hemoglobin binds oxygen reversibly and releases it as local oxygen pressure falls. This inherent molecular behavior is central to the BHOC Transplant research concept; the device and clinical protocol determine how much carrier reaches the tissue.
Temperature range
Test carrier function during cooling, cold support and gradual rewarming. P50 and release change with temperature, pH and formulation; P50 ≈ 40 is not a constant from 4 to 37°C.
Measured function
Match carrier concentration and perfusion conditions to each stage. Measure extraction, ATP, lactate, vascular resistance and organ-specific function against controls.
Two kinds of regulation: molecular affinity gives a built-in response to local pO₂; clinicians or perfusion devices set dose, flow and gas input. The exact amount an organ needs, and whether BHOC can supply it safely, must be measured. Delivered O₂ depends on flow × arterial O₂ content.
Molecular response to a changing tissue
Demand is not static.
As local pO₂ falls, hemoglobin’s binding equilibrium favors oxygen release. Choose a demand state to see the idea. The dots are a schematic, not a measured BHOC dose or release curve.
Schematic / reversible oxygen binding and release
Baseline demand → characterize reversible release.
Illustrative interface only. No clinical units or claimed response time.
- MOLECULEIntrinsic release
At a lower local pO₂, carrier saturation falls and oxygen can unload. The amount also depends on affinity, dose, flow, pH and temperature.
- TRANSITIONCold → warm
Track P50/oxygen curves, kinetics, methemoglobin and vascular response at defined temperatures throughout cooling and rewarming.
- FUNCTIONDid time help?
Measure energy state, viable operating window, organ-specific output and post-transplant recovery against controls.