Screening of bioplastics as sustainable alternatives to poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) for the composition of storage devices for Red Blood Cells used in Hemotherapy

• Grant number: 24/01753-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Pathological Anatomy and Clinical Pathology
• Principal Investigator: Susan Elisabeth Domingues Costa Jorge
• Grantee: Thais Traina Jorge
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

It is estimated by the WHO that around 118.5 million blood donations are made annually, with the greatest demand being the replacement of hemoglobin levels through bags of Red Blood Cells (CH). Conventional CH storage bags are composed of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), whose main plasticizer - DEHP, poses a risk of toxicity to transfused individuals. Furthermore, cumulative storage lesions are observed, such that there is a significant reduction in cell survival after transfusion, especially in polytransfused individuals. This project aims to screen bioplastics as substitutes for PVC for the composition of CH storage devices used in transfusions. The screening will consist of evaluating the potential capacity of biomaterials in the structural and metabolic preservation of red blood cells upon contact with CH for 48 hours. Cell viability will be assessed by flow cytometry assays and the rate of hemolysis, while the structure of the cells will be observed through smears under common optical microscopy. The stability of the polymeric matrix of bioplastics will also be studied, using Raman and Infrared spectroscopy. This project could result in an important advance in blood bag technology aimed at screening sustainable materials with greater safety for human health and the environment, with a view to better conservation of CH. It is expected that better quality CHs will enable a reduced need for transfusions, contributing to the solution for reduced blood bag stocks.