摘要:
A modified hemoglobin comprising hemoglobin which is cross-linked with a cross-linking reagent. The cross-linking reagent is selected such that the .beta.-chains are cross-linked within the 2,3-diphosphoglycerate binding site and the linkage distance between the .beta.-chains is between about 5 to 9 angstroms. A method of preparing the modified hemoglobin and its use as a blood substitute or a plasma expander are also described.