Modified platelet storage containers to improve quality during storage

Platelets are the blood cells which are responsible for forming blood clots. Platelet transfusion is a lifesaving treatment for bleeding, such as on the battlefield or on automobile accidents, and is an important therapy for certain blood disorders and chemotherapy. Platelets have short shelf-lives because their current storage bags tend to activate them, leading to rapid clearance from the body and poor transfusion outcomes. Furthermore, the stored cells can be easily contaminated by bacteria, which leads to severe sickness and platelet wastage. This project aims to develop platelet storage bags which extend the shelf-life of these cells and prevents bacterial colonization. We will screen a list of different coating materials to devise a formulation which increases platelet shelf life while being hostile to bacteria. We will then implement this coating into our bags and assess the short- and long-term effects of storage on the cells. Successfully extending the viability and protecting the quality of platelets will improve the outcome of their transfusion, directly saving the lives of recipients. This project may also save millions of tax payer dollars in the long run by limiting wastage of platelets due to expiration and contamination.

KIZHAKKEDATHU, Jayachandran

University of British Columbia

Graduate Fellowship Program

British Columbia

$122,000