Synthesis and live cell imaging of ice recrystallization inhibitors in red blood cells

Blood transfusion is one of the most common treatments for patients who lack sufficient quantities of healthy blood. Cryopreservation of red blood cells (RBCs) in a 40% solution of glycerol can extend the storage time of donated blood and ensure high post thaw recoveries. However, it can take over one hour to completely remove the glycerol from a single unit prior to transfusion. Reduced concentrations of glycerol allow for units to be available for transfusion much faster due to decreased deglycerolization times, increasing the scope of use for cryopreserved blood. Our laboratory recently reported the ability of small molecule ice recrystallization inhibitors (IRIs) to effectively cryopreserve RBCs using only 15% glycerol; These IRIs control ice crystal growth and mitigate mechanical damage of the RBCs. The objective of the proposed research is to study the cryopreservation potential of novel IRI candidates in RBCs and to image them using a highly sensitive, label-free, molecular imaging technique. This research aims to improve the current blood supply model by decreasing the concentration of glycerol through the use of IRI cryoadditives.

BEN, Robert

University of Ottawa

Graduate Fellowship Program

Ontario

$112,333