Fixed-dried red blood cells

US7358039B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · US
• East Carolina University · US

Inventors

• Thomas H. Fischer · Wenden, DE
• Marjorie S. Read · Durham, US
• Arthur P. Bode · Greenville, US
• Timothy C. Nichols · Los Altos, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 24, 2005
• Grant date: Apr 15, 2008
• Expiry date: Jan 29, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61K35/18
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Fixed-dried red blood cells (RBCs), and processes for preparing the same are disclosed. The red blood cells, upon reconstitution with distilled water or appropriate buffer: bind oxygen with native affinities, have partial deformability, present minimal thrombogenicity to platelets, and have oblated blood group antigens. The RBCs are preferably fixed by means of cross-linkers with aldehyde functions such as paraformaldehyde or glutaraldehyde either alone or in combination. Native oxygen kinetics are achieved by preparing the red blood cells with 1,6-diphosphofructose. Blood group antigens and chemical functions that render the lyophilized RBCs thrombogenic are occluded by chemically attaching polyoxyethylene glycol polymers to the surface membrane of the red blood cells. The cross-linked red blood cells are preferably died by lyophilization.