Revolutionary Freezing Technique Cuts Thaw Time for Emergency Blood Supply

A pioneering blood preservation method developed by researchers from the Universities of Manchester and Leeds promises to significantly improve how blood is stored and utilized in emergencies. This new technique employs innovative cryoprotectants that enable red blood cells to be frozen and thawed faster, reducing processing times and enhancing accessibility in critical situations. The research, led by Dr. Fraser Macrae and Professor Matthew Gibson, introduces a formulation combining polyampholytes, DMSO, and trehalose—substances that together safeguard blood cells during freezing without requiring extensive post-thaw washing. Traditional cryopreservation with glycerol involves lengthy and complex processes that can delay transfusions by over an hour, often risking patient outcomes. In contrast, this new method (PaDT) shortens thaw and washout times by over 50 minutes, facilitating rapid deployment of blood in disaster zones, military operations, and remote regions. The system works by leveraging the unique properties of its components: polyampholytes prevent ice formation inside cells; DMSO permeates cells to replace water; and trehalose stabilizes cell structures, offering low toxicity and simple thawing. This advancement could enable blood banks to stockpile and deliver blood almost on demand, a significant leap forward in emergency medicine. Plans are underway to integrate this technology into automated processing systems and extend its application to other cell types like stem cells and platelets, potentially transforming healthcare logistics and treatment readiness. For more details, see the publication in Cryobiology.