(P-CB-18) Modified Platelet Storage Devices to Improve Quality During Storage

Background/Case Studies: Platelet transfusion is a lifesaving therapy for trauma and various disorders. Current platelet storage devices limit their shelf life to 5-7 days, which limits the supply of these blood products. The bio-incompatible bag materials activate platelets and decrease product quality in a process known as the Platelet Storage Lesion (PSL). Platelet storage bags are also prone to bacterial colonization and proliferation, which results in adverse transfusion reactions and sepsis. To combat these storage material-derived limitations, this project aims to develop an antifouling coating formulation that is compatible with platelet-rich plasma storage bags to protect the cells from activation and diminish bacterial proliferation. Through this approach, we hope to better preserve the quality of platelet products while improving the safety of the products.

Study

Design/Methods: Various coating formulations are being screened to determine the formulation with the best biocompatible and antibacterial properties. These coatings are deposited on standard platelet-rich plasma storage bags, and their ability to store platelets while preventing bacterial proliferation is being compared. Platelet activation and apoptosis during storage are measured through the surface expression of P-selectin and phosphatidylserine. Platelet activation and metabolism are tracked using a blood gas analyzer to measure pH, glucose, lactate, pO2, and pCO2. Platelet function will be assessed by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and aggregometry. These results will guide the development of an optimized device.

Results/Findings: Our preliminary screen has identified three polymer compositions for the coating which are capable of reducing protein deposition and platelet adhesion by >90% each, and bacterial adhesion by >95%. These coatings have been tested in platelet-rich plasma storage bags. Platelets stored in the coated bags do not display a statistically significant increase in phosphatidylserine or P-selectin display, and they do not differ in either blood gas metrics (pH, O2, CO2, glucose, lactate) or ROTEM metrics either. In comparing the ability of our coating formulations to reduce bacterial proliferation in platelet-rich plasma, the coating induces a 5-log reduction in planktonic platelet count, while reducing biofilm formation by 4-log.

Conclusions: So far, our coating formulations have demonstrated an excellent ability to diminish bacterial adhesion and proliferation without significantly impacting the quality of platelet-rich plasma stored within. At present, our coating is capable of significantly improving the safety profile of these transfusion products without any compromise in quality.

Importance of research: By improving the storage profile of the platelets while significantly limiting bacterial contamination, we hope this project can extend the shelf-life and quality of these lifesaving cells while making their transfusion safer for all recipients.