A PHYSICOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF PERFLUOROCHEMICALS FOR OXYGEN-TRANSPORT APPLICATIONS

The history of perfluorochemicals as oxygen transport agents and a com parison of potential second generation perfluorochemicals is outlined. 1-Bromoperfluorooctane (perflubron, perfluorooctyl bromide, PFOB), a linear aliphatic perfluorochemical, has unexpected lipophilic properti es relative to other perfluorochemicals. The enhanced lipophilicity le ads to the unique combination of excellent emulsion stability and an e xceptionally short organ retention time. Other medically desirable pro perties of PFOB include: high purity and definition; excellent gas sol ubility; superior compatibility with egg yolk phospholipids; the abili ty to provide contrast; low vapor pressure; low kinematic viscosity; a nd a positive spreading coefficient on a saline solution.