Prolonged storage of human blood platelets

Some of the developed compounds initiate a phase of hibernation in human blood platelets, which enables the storage of platelets at 2-8°C without suffering the so-called cold activation.

Validation of the technology was performed in a German blood bank, where Sulfateq achieved experimental results showing the possibility to store platelets for several weeks, in a phase of hibernation, in a refrigerator without losing too much vitality.

After storage in hibernation at 2-8˚C, the platelets showed  similar properties as apheresis platelets for transfusion. Ex-vivo vitality tests in an aggregometer, haematology counter and with a flow cytometer indicated the preserved vitality of the prolonged stored platelets. The compound has been tested for toxicity and can be washed out after usage to trigger the platelets into the hibernation phase, enabling the cold storage of platelets for an extended period without the conventional shaking on a flat-bed shaker. Platelets have been stored for 21 days in standard blood bank bags without severe loss of functionality.

Next to this test, animal tests are performed as well.

This new storage technology for platelets would make it possible for routine blood banks to use the same logistic system as for packed red blood cells for transfusion.