Physical and Rheological Characteristics of Hydroxypropyl, Acid‐Thinned Tapioca Starch‐Based Plasma Expander for Blood Volume Replacement

Abstract

AbstractPlasma expander (PE) is fluid administered to instantly restore intravascular volume after massive blood loss. PEs can be prepared from various types of polymers such as dextran, albumin, and starch derivatives. This study investigates an alternative source of starch for PEs, that is, hydroxypropyl, acid‐thinned tapioca starch (HPS). HPS is dissolved in 0.9% sodium chloride solution at different concentrations (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%). The physical and rheological properties (turbidity, pH, colloid osmotic pressure (COP), and viscosity) and storage stability are compared with 6% of hydroxyethyl starch (6% HES 130/0.4). It clearly demonstrates that turbidity, COP, and viscosity of HPS‐based PE increase when the concentration of HPS increases. The pH of the HPS‐based PE is higher than that of the 6% HES 130/0.4. The viscosity of 6% HPS‐based PE is close to 6% HES 130/0.4 that shows a Newtonian fluid behavior. The COP of 8% HPS‐based PE is similar to 6% HES 130/0.4. After storing for 4 weeks, the viscosity of each concentration is of similar value compared to Day 1. Using a hydroxypropyl tapioca starch as PE has more advantages than HES‐based PE, HPS can be prepared more economically and safely, on a commercial scale, than HES.