In vitro comparison of dodecafluoropentane (DDFP), perfluorodecalin (PFD), and perfluoroctylbromide (PFOB) in the facilitation of oxygen exchange.

The purpose is to prepare 2% w/v emulsions of dodecafluoropentane, perfluorodecalin, and perfluoroctylbromide and compare them for their ability to absorb oxygen. The oxygen uptake capability and volume expansion of each emulsion and the blank vehicle were evaluated in water at 21 degrees C and 37 degrees C. The average particle size of the dodecafluoropentane emulsion is < 400 nm stored at room temperature for 6 months. In comparison to water treated with either the blank vehicle, the perfluorodecalin emulsion, or the perfluoroctylbromide emulsion, the dodecafluoropentane emulsion absorbs 3 times more oxygen at 21 degrees C and 7 times more oxygen at 37 degrees C. Furthermore, a significantly higher in vitro expansion (5 times) is observed with the dodecafluoropentane emulsion at 37 degrees C. As such, DDFP has been hypothesized to be a better oxygen carrier and delivery agent in vivo. This may be applicable to a variety of hypoxic medical conditions where oxygen delivery might be therapeutically beneficial.