Novel Blood Storage Technologies

Technology: The Naval Research Laboratory has patented and developed a number of inventions that enable freeze-drying and rehydration of red blood cells and platelets. The suite also includes a synthetic red blood cell technology. These technologies enable long term storage and lightweight transport of critical blood products. Background: The US military is faced with collecting, storing, and transporting blood products under refrigeration the world over. Managing viable blood products in this manner is a significant logistical and economic challenge, even for one of the world’s largest enterprises. Under development at the Naval Research Laboratory are alternative technologies for lyophilizing —or freeze-drying— blood products such as red blood cells and platelets, for transport and long term storage. Potential fields of use include wound care, transfusions, therapeutics, and calibration/quality control of instrumentation. Benefits: • Lightweight, stable, longer term storage of red blood cells and platelets • Smaller volume and footprint for shipping • Requires no refrigeration Opportunity: Available for license and development are US patents: 5,242,792; 5,690,963; 5,736,313; 6,033,708; 6,358,678; and 6,436,705. Additional details of the technology, an overview of the licensing process, and an interview with the inventors, are available through TechLink.