The group of Lintao CAI and colleagues has constructed an artificial red blood cell made up from a polymer, hemoglobin and a cationic phospholipid, loaded with doxorubicin. The biomimetic nano-system possesses oxygen-like and oxygen-releasing functions similar to red blood cells and transfers oxygen to the inside of cancer cells, intervening with mitochondrial metabolism and increasing intracellular ATP- and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. Lethal effects on cancer cells increased by 438%, compared to free adriamycin.

CAS news release, November 16, 2016