Oxidized liposomal artificial red blood cells rescue azide-poisoned mice from lethal toxidrome by recovering cytochrome c oxidase activity

Exposure to azide compounds causes inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria, leading acute lethal poisoning. Although urgent pharmaceutical intervention is required for rescue from poisoning, no antidote exists worldwide. We hypothesized that methemoglobin (metHb) can be a promising material as an poisoning because metHb strongly bind azide. However, administration not feasible owing vivo instability and toxicity. aimed develop metHb-based which inner hemoglobin liposomal artificial red blood cells oxidized by mixing with sodium nitrite. From stopped-flow spectrophotometry analysis, as-prepared cells, encapsulated into liposome (metHb@Lipo), binding affinity metHb@Lipo was comparable bare metHb. In addition, detoxification increased survival rate azide-poisoned model mice recovery activity, amelioration acidosis tissue oxidation. Furthermore, functioned even after 1 year storage ready-to-use formulation. These results indicate are potent favorable properties use critical care medicine.