Investigating a new class of small molecule ice recrystallization inhibitors for red blood cell cryopreservation

Cryopreservation of red blood cells (RBCs) is a common method for long-term storage and it has proven to be useful when requiring large blood supply quantities for transfusion purposes. Currently, cryopreservation of RBCs involves the addition of 40% glycerol to prevent major cryo-damage, however, glycerol must be removed prior to blood transfusion. Deglycerolization processes are time-consuming and costly, thus this process is not ideal for emergency situations. We propose that incorporating ice recrystallization inhibitors (IRIs) as cryo-additives will allow for a reduction in the amount of glycerol needed to prevent cryo-injury leading to decreased deglycerolization times. We aim for our proposed IRIs to have increased solubility allowing them to be supplemented at lower concentrations. Using our IRIs as cryo-additives will allow quicker access to cryopreserved RBC units for emergency purposes.

BEN, Robert

University of Ottawa

Graduate Fellowship Program

Ontario

$104,000