Oxygen Reduction Blood Storage Kits for Low-Oxygen Preservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional blood storage systems result in the deterioration of red blood cells due to oxygen exposure, leading to reduced quality and increased morbidity and mortality during transfusions, with existing solutions like frozen blood being impractical for emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

An oxygen reduction storage system comprising an outer impermeable receptacle, an inner collapsible blood container, and an oxygen sorbent within the receptacle to deplete oxygen from blood before storage, using a device that reduces oxygen saturation to less than 20% within 8 hours.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If blood is stored under conventional refrigerated conditions for extended periods, then the storage duration is extended, but the quality of red blood cells deteriorates due to storage lesions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage durationVSAvoidblood quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies an inert atmosphere by using an oxygen-scavenging system within the storage container. Oxygen-absorbing materials (such as iron powder or other reducing agents) are placed in the container to actively remove oxygen from the headspace, creating an oxygen-depleted environment (less than 1% oxygen). This inert environment prevents oxidative damage to red blood cells, thereby maintaining blood quality while extending storage duration beyond the conventional 42-day limit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Quantity of substance

If blood is stored with high oxygen levels, then oxygen availability for RBCs is maintained, but oxidative damage and storage lesions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxygen availabilityVSAvoidoxidative damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the oxygen concentration parameter from conventional high-oxygen storage (ambient or elevated oxygen levels) to low-oxygen storage (less than 1% oxygen). By actively controlling and reducing the oxygen partial pressure in the storage container using oxygen-scavenging materials, the system transforms the storage environment from oxidative to anaerobic, thereby preventing oxidative damage while maintaining adequate oxygen availability for RBC metabolism through controlled release mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If frozen blood storage is used to extend storage life, then storage duration is significantly extended, but the complexity and impracticality for emergency situations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage durationVSAvoidemergency usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the storage temperature parameter from frozen (-18°C or lower) to refrigerated (1-6°C) by combining refrigerated storage with an oxygen-scavenging system. This parameter change allows the blood to remain in a liquid, immediately usable state while achieving extended storage duration (beyond 42 days) through the protective anaerobic environment. The blood requires no thawing process and can be rapidly deployed in emergency situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If conventional blood storage bags are used, then the system is simple and compatible with existing infrastructure, but oxygen permeability through the bag material causes quality deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidblood quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining the conventional flexible blood storage bag with oxygen-scavenging materials and barrier layers. The storage container includes multiple functional components: the flexible bag material, oxygen-absorbing substances (such as iron powder embedded in a matrix), and potentially oxygen-barrier coatings or laminated structures. This composite approach maintains the simplicity and flexibility of conventional bags while adding active oxygen removal capability to prevent quality deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

The system effectively preserves the quality of blood by reducing oxygen levels, minimizing storage lesions and transfusion-related morbidity, and ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure and anticoagulant solutions.

Implementation Method 1

an oxygen sorbent within the receptacle to deplete oxygen from blood before storage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

an outer impermeable receptacle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation barrier: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP3970731B1Oxygen reduction disposable kits, devices and methods of use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 HEMANEXT INC
  • EP3970731B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3970731B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP3970731B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to Oxygen Reduction Disposable kits (ORDKit), devices and methods for the improved preservation of whole blood and blood components. The improved devices and methods for the collection of blood and blood components provide for whole blood and blood components having reduced levels of oxygen. The devices and methods provide for the rapid preparation of deoxygenated blood and blood components for storage that improves the overall quality of the transfused blood and improves health outcomes in patients.