Hypotension and the resulting hypoxia resulting from hemorrhagic stress have the potential to threaten internal organs through oxygen deprivation, resulting in cellular death, especially in the brain. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occurring in conjunction with severe hemorrhagic stress can cause irreversible damage to neurons due to this oxygen starvation, resulting in damage in the form of reduction of cognitive function. A proposed treatment using isotonic solutions containing hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOC’s) which were intended to provide oxygen, similar to red blood cells, was developed. However, HBOC’s were found to have excessive oxidative potential, causing damage to the injured cells from the superoxide radical released by the protein. To address this, HBOC’s have been modified to incorporate polyethylene glycol (PEG) and (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxidanyl (TEMPO) covalently bonded to the protein. These polynitroxyl PEGylated hemoglobin (PNPH) derivatives combine antioxidant activity with a larger molecular size which significantly reduces the toxicity of HBOC’s. These PNPH’s are limited by strict ratios between the two functional groups as well as a demanding synthesis. In our research, we plan to incorporate TEMPO functional groups into organic polymers with controlled molecular weights to bind to the hemoglobin protein. For this purpose, we have developed syntheses for 7-oxanorbornene derivatives containing TEMPO functionalities for use as monomers in ROMP. We will present preliminary results in the monomer and homopolymer syntheses, as well as the characterization of the products.

Ring-opening metathesis polymers (ROMP) with organic radical groups for treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

249th National Meeting (2015)

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