Freeze-Dried Human Red Blood Cells
Abstract
The research activities described in this report summarize our progress on lyophilized human red blood cells (RBC) since the last Progress Report. Our primary research efforts for this funding period have thus focused on the following areas: (1) development of improved new buffer formulations based on the glass transition and water replacement theories; (2) establishing freezing conditions such that normal cell indices are maintained prior to drying and allow for efficient removal of water by sublimation; (3) continue clinical safety and circulation studies of lyophilized autologous red cells in normal volunteers, to study the correlation between observed improvement in hematological and rheological properties and in vivo survival. The basic research section of this report outlines our progress in developing buffer formulations that will allow successful lyophilization of RBC such that normal cell properties are maintained on reconstitution. Experiments were thus designed to obtain relevant information on the effectiveness of our lyophilization buffers in preventing freezing damage during long term storage at -20C. Particular attention was given to the fact that prolonged storage of RBC at -20C or higher is possible with sublimation or evaporative drying of the cells in such a manner that normal cell indices are maintained upon rehydration. To evaluate the quality of the reconstituted cells, hematological parameters such as mean cell hemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume, osmotic stability were measured in addition to other biophysical properties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 15, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA244838