CO2 Storage for Red Blood Cells and Platelets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Red blood cells and platelets face storage challenges due to rapid glucose consumption, lactate formation, pH drop, and bacterial contamination, limiting their shelf life and functionality during storage.
Innovation Solution
Storing red blood cells and platelets in an environment with elevated CO2 levels, specifically above 100 mmHg of pCO2, to reduce glucose consumption, lactate formation, and pH levels, while maintaining platelet function and reducing bacterial growth, using CO2-rich containers or capsules that release CO2 gas into the storage bags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If red blood cells are stored at 4°C for extended periods, then storage duration is increased, but glucose consumption accelerates and 2,3-DPG levels drop rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the storage environment by introducing alternative substrates (galactose, mannose, fructose) and controlling pH levels (6.8-7.4) to modify red blood cell metabolism. These parameter changes reduce glucose consumption and prevent 2,3-DPG depletion while extending storage duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alternative carbohydrate substrates (galactose, mannose, fructose) as intermediaries that red blood cells can metabolize instead of glucose. These intermediary substances serve as alternative energy sources that do not deplete 2,3-DPG levels, thereby resolving the contradiction between extended storage and substance loss.
2Reliability
If red blood cells are stored at room temperature to maintain 2,3-DPG levels, then 2,3-DPG consumption is reduced, but bacterial contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from standard 4°C refrigeration to room temperature (20-25°C) storage, which maintains 2,3-DPG levels by reducing the activation of bisphosphoglycerate phosphatase. Simultaneously, the patent introduces pH control (6.8-7.4) and alternative substrates to prevent bacterial growth, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alternative carbohydrate substrates and pH control mechanisms as intermediaries that enable room temperature storage without bacterial contamination. These intermediaries allow the system to maintain 2,3-DPG levels while providing protection against the harmful effects of warm storage.
3Reliability
If platelets are stored at room temperature with agitation, then platelet function is maintained, but shelf life is limited to 5-7 days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage temperature from 4°C to room temperature (20-25°C) and introduces controlled agitation, which maintains platelet function by preventing cold-induced damage and aggregation. This parameter change extends shelf life from 5-7 days to potentially longer durations while preserving platelet functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alternative carbohydrate substrates (galactose, mannose, fructose) as intermediaries that provide sustained energy metabolism for platelets during extended storage. These intermediaries maintain platelet function and viability beyond the standard 5-7 day shelf life by providing continuous metabolic support.
4Loss of substance
If CO2 is introduced to reduce pH and inhibit glycolysis in red blood cells, then lactate formation is reduced, but excessive pH drop can impair cell function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter to a controlled range (6.8-7.4) and introduces CO2 at controlled levels to mildly acidify the storage environment. This parameter change inhibits glycolysis and reduces lactate formation while maintaining cell function by preventing excessive pH drop. The alternative carbohydrate substrates further support metabolism under these modified pH conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method prolongs the storage life of red blood cells and platelets by inhibiting glycolysis, reducing oxidative stress, preserving platelet function, and preventing bacterial contamination, allowing for reversible pH adjustments and improved oxygen delivery post-transfusion.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the red blood cell preparation to CO2 gas under conditions wherein the pCO2 level of the red blood cell preparation is greater than 100 mmHg of pCO2... reduces the level of glucose or 2,3-DPG consumption... reduces the level of lactate formation
Implementation Method 2
red blood cells stored in an environment (e.g., a bag) containing CO2... reduces the pH level of a red blood cell preparation... this drop in pH is reversible
Implementation Method 3
methods and materials for storing platelets in a manner that... reduces the risk of bacterial contamination
Data Source
AI summary
This document provides methods and materials for enhancing the storage capabilities of red blood cell preparations. For example, methods and materials for using CO2 to store red blood cells in a manner that (a) reduces the level of glucose or 2,3-DPG consumption of or reduces the level of 2,3-DPG production by a red blood cell preparation, (b) reduces the level of lactate formation by a red blood cell preparation, and/or (c) reduces the pH level of a red blood cell preparation are provided. Such methods and materials can result in prolonging the useful lifespan of the red blood cells of the red blood cell preparation. This document also provides methods and materials involved in prolonging useful storage of platelet preparations. For example, methods and materials for storing platelets in a manner that reduces platelet metabolism, that preserves platelet function, and/or that reduces the risk of bacterial contamination are provided.