Blood storage bag system and depletion devices with oxygen and carbon dioxide depletion capabilities

Abstract

A blood storage system. The system has a collection bag for red blood cells; an oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device; a storage bag for red blood cells; and tubing connecting the collection bag to the depletion device and the depletion device to the storage bag. The depletion device includes a receptacle of a solid material having an inlet and an outlet adapted to receiving and expelling a flushing gas; a plurality of hollow fibers or gas-permeable films extending within the receptacle from an entrance to an exit thereof. The hollow fibers or gas-permeable films are adapted to receiving and conveying red blood cells.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates to a storage blood system having an oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device and a blood storage bag for the long-term storage of blood. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a blood storage system that is capable of removing oxygen and carbon dioxide from the red blood prior to storage and during storage, as well as maintaining oxygen and/or carbon dioxide depleted states during storage, thereby prolonging the storage life and minimizing deterioration of the deoxygenated red blood.

2. Background of the Art

Adequate blood supply and the storage thereof is a problem facing every major hospital and health organization around the world. Often, the amount of blood supply in storage is considerably smaller than the need therefor. This is especially true during crisis periods such as natural catastrophes, war and the like, when the blood supply is often perilously close to running out. It is at critical times such as these that the cry for more donations of fresh blood is often heard. However, unfortunately, even when there is no crisis period, the blood supply and that kept in storage must be constantly monitored and replenished, because stored blood does not maintain its viability for long.

Stored blood undergoes steady deterioration which is, in part, caused by hemoglobin oxidation and degradation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and 2-3,biphosphoglycerate (DPG) depletion. Oxygen causes hemoglobin (Hb) carried by the red blood cells (RBCs) to convert to met-Hb, the breakdown of which produces toxic products such as hemichrome, hemin and free Fe³⁺. Together with the oxygen, these products catalyze the formation of hydroxyl radicals (OH.cndot.), and both the OH.cndot. and the met-Hb breakdown products damage the red blood cell lipid membrane, the membrane skeleton, and the cell contents. As such, stored blood is considered unusable after 6 weeks, as determined by the relative inability of the red blood cells to survive in the circulation of the transfusion recipient. The depletion of DPG prevents adequate transport of oxygen to tissue thereby lowering the efficacy of transfusion immediately after administration (levels of DPG recover once in recipient after 8-48 hrs). In addition, these deleterious effects also result in reduced overall efficacy and increased side effects of transfusion therapy with stored blood before expiration date, but possibly older than two weeks are used. Reduction in carbon dioxide content in stored blood has the beneficial effect of elevating DPG levels in red blood cells.

There is, therefore, a need to be able to deplete oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in red blood cells prior to storage on a long-term basis without the stored blood undergoing the harmful effects caused by the oxygen and hemoglobin interaction. Furthermore, there is a need to store oxygen and carbon dioxide depleted red blood cells in bags containing or bag surrounded by a barrier film with oxygen and carbon dioxide depletion materials. Furthermore, there is a need to optimize ATP and DPG levels in stored red blood cells by varying the depletion or scavenging constituents prior to and/or during storage depending upon the needs of the recipient upon transfusion. Furthermore, the blood storage devices and methods must be simple, inexpensive and capable of long-term storage of the blood supply.

SUMMARY

A disposable device for blood storage that is able to deplete of oxygen and anaerobically store of red blood cells for transfusion.

The present disclosure also provides for a device and method of removing carbon dioxide (CO₂) in addition to oxygen (O₂) prior to or at the onset of anaerobic storage.

The present disclosure further provides for mixing O₂ and CO₂ scavenging materials that are placed in a depletion device to obtain optimal ATP and DPG levels.

The present disclosure also provides for a depletion device that has the ability to scavenge CO₂ prior to or at the onset of anaerobic storage.

The present disclosure further provides for the anaerobic storage bag that is capable of storing red blood cells anaerobically and in a CO₂ depleted state.

The present disclosure provides for mixing of O₂ and CO₂ scavenging materials to be placed in a sachet or incorporated into the storage bag materials of construction within an anaerobic storage bag.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides for a disposable device for blood storage that is able to deplete oxygen and carbon dioxide as well as anaerobically store red blood cells for transfusion.

The present disclosure also provides for a system the anaerobic storage of RBCs with pre-storage oxygen and carbon dioxide depletion and continued maintenance of the anaerobic and carbon dioxide depleted state during storage.

The present disclosure further provides for the anaerobic storage of standard storage bags by storing them in a controlled-atmosphere container or chamber such as in an inert gas within a refrigerator.

The present disclosure provides for a blood collection system that incorporates an oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device having an oxygen and carbon dioxide sorbent in combination with a filter or membrane to strip oxygen and carbon dioxide from the blood during transport to the storage bag.

The present disclosure provides for a blood collection system the incorporates an oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device that contains a gas permeable film or membrane providing sufficient surface area to facilitate diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide from the blood into the interior of the device.

The present disclosure provides for a blood collection system that incorporates an oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device having an oxygen and carbon dioxide sorbent enclosed in gas permeable membrane with a filter or membrane to strip oxygen and carbon dioxide from the blood during transport to the storage bag.

The present disclosure also provides for a laminated storage bag for storing red blood cells (RBCs). The storage bag may be a laminated bag having an oxygen and carbon dioxide sorbent or a secondary bag containing an oxygen and carbon dioxide sorbent.

The present disclosure further provides for a system to deplete the oxygen and carbon dioxide from collected red blood cells that includes an additive solution, an oxygen and carbon dioxide depletion device, and a blood storage bag that maintains the red blood cells in an oxygen and carbon dioxide depleted state.

The present disclosure provides for a system and methodology that permits reduction in carbon dioxide levels prior to storage and an increase in DPG levels. By keeping carbon dioxide levels low, and, thus, DPG levels high, the affinity of oxygen to hemoglobin to bind oxygen is reduced. By having a lower affinity to hemoglobin, greater transmission of oxygen to tissue is permitted.

The present disclosure provides for a method of optimizing ATP and DPG in red blood cells for storage by obtaining a sample of red blood cells from a donor; depleting oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the sample to produce an oxygen and carbon dioxide depleted sample; storing the oxygen and carbon dioxide depleted sample in a container that maintains oxygen and carbon dioxide depleted state of the sample. The range of depletion is variable.

The present disclosure also provides for optimizing stored blood by treating the stored blood subject to a depletion device having the appropriate levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide gas passed therethrough or with the appropriate blend of oxygen and carbon dioxide depleting scavengers to obtain a desired level of constituents. The blood is also stored under oxygen and or carbon dioxide depleted conditions. Immediately prior to transfusion, re-oxygenating of the stored blood as needed based on the needs of the recipient prior to transfusion.

The present disclosure also provides another embodiment of a blood storage device. The device is a sealed receptacle adapted to retain and store red blood cells. The receptacle has walls formed from a laminate. The laminate has (a) an outer layer of a material substantially impermeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide, (b) an inner layer of a material compatible with red blood cells, and (c) an interstitial layer between the outer layer and the inner layer. The interstitial layer is of a material having admixed therein an amount of either or both of an oxygen scavenger and a carbon dioxide scavenger. Alternately, the interstitial layer can be deleted and the scavenger(s) admixed into the inner and/or outer layer.

The present disclosure also provides another embodiment of a blood storage system. The system has a collection bag for red blood cells; a unitary device for depleting oxygen and carbon dioxide and reducing leukocytes and/or platelets from red blood cells; a storage bag for red blood cells; and tubing connecting the collection bag to the unitary device and the unitary device to the storage bag.

The present disclosure and its features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the components of a disposable blood anaerobic storage system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a pre-storage oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first embodiment of a blood storage bag having a storage bag with a secondary outer oxygen film containing an oxygen sorbent in a pocket.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a pre-storage oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion bag having a blood storage bag with a large sorbent sachet enclosed in gas-permeable, red blood cell compatible polymers in contact with the RBCs.

FIG. 4 b illustrates a third embodiment of a blood storage bag having a storage bag a laminated oxygen film barrier with a large sorbent in contact with the RBCs.

FIG. 5 a illustrates a fourth embodiment of a blood storage bag having a secondary configured secondary outer barrier bag surrounding an inner blood storage bag having an oxygen sorbent.

FIG. 5 b illustrates a fifth embodiment of a blood storage bag having a secondary outer barrier bag surrounding an inner blood storage bag having a large oxygen sorbent sachet enclosed in a gas permeable, red blood cell compatible polymers in contact with RBCs.

FIGS. 6 a through 6c illustrate an embodiment of a depletion device that depletes oxygen and carbon dioxide from red blood cells prior to storage by a flushing inert gas or inert gas/CO₂ mixture of defined composition around a hollow fiber inside the assembly.

FIGS. 7 a through 7c illustrate another embodiment of a depletion device that depletes oxygen and carbon dioxide from red blood cell prior to storage.

FIGS. 8 a through 8c illustrate another embodiment of a depletion device that depletes oxygen and carbon dioxide from red blood cells prior to storage wherein oxygen and/or CO₂ is scavenged by scavenger materials in the core of the cylinder, surrounded by hollow fibers.

FIGS. 9 a through 9c illustrate another embodiment of a depletion device that depletes oxygen and carbon dioxide from red blood cells prior to storage wherein oxygen and/or CO₂ is scavenged by scavenger materials surrounding cylinders of hollow fibers enveloped in gas permeable, low water vapor transmission material.

FIG. 10 illustrates a plot of flow rate of RBC suspension per minute versus oxygen partial pressure for the depletion devices of FIGS. 6a through 6c, FIGS. 7a through 7c, FIGS. 8a through 8c and FIGS. 9a through 9c.

FIGS. 11 a through 11h illustrate plots of the effect of oxygen and oxygen and carbon dioxide depletion on metabolic status of red blood cells during refrigerated storage.

FIG. 12 illustrates the components of another embodiment of a disposable blood anaerobic storage system of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, a disposable blood anaerobic storage system is shown and referenced using reference numeral 10. The blood storage system includes an oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device 100 (OCDD 100), an anaerobic blood storage bag 200 and an additive solution bag 300 stored. OCDD 100 removes oxygen and carbon dioxide from red blood cells traveling through it. The system also contains a leuko reduction filter 400. Components conventionally associated with the process of blood collection are a phlebotomy needle 410, a blood collection bag 420 containing an anti-coagulant and a bag 430 containing plasma. Tubing can connect the various components of the blood storage system 10 in various configurations (one embodiment shown). Tube 440 connects collection bag 420 with leuko reduction filter 400. Tube 441 connects solution bag 300 with collection bag 420. Tube 442 connects plasma bag 430 with collection bag 420. Tube 443 connects leuko reduction filter 400 with OCDD 100. Tube 444 connects OCDD 100 with blood storage bag 200. Blood storage system 10 is preferably a single-use, disposable, low cost system.

Oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device 100 removes the oxygen from collected RBCs prior to the RBCs being stored in blood storage bag 200. The oxygen content in RBCs must be depleted from oxy-hemoglobin because more than 99% of such oxygen is hemoglobin-bound in venous blood. Preferably, the degree of oxygen saturation is to be reduced to less than 4% within 48 hours of blood collection. The oxygen depletion is preferably accomplished at room temperature. The affinity of oxygen to hemoglobin is highly dependent on the temperature, with a p50 of 26 mmHg at 37° C. dropping to ˜4 mmHg at 4° C. Furthermore, this increase in O₂ affinity (Ka) is mainly due to reduction in O₂ release rate (k-off), resulting in an impractically low rate of oxygen removal once RBC is cooled to 4° C. Thus, it places a constraint on oxygen stripping such that it may be preferable to accomplish it before RBC are cooled to storage temperatures of 1° C. to 6° C.

As an alternative or in addition to oxygen depletion, carbon dioxide depletion has the beneficial effect of elevating DPG levels in red blood cells. Carbon dioxide exists inside RBCs and in plasma in equilibrium with HCO₃⁻ ion (carbonic acid). Carbon dioxide is mainly dissolved in RBC/plasma mixture as carbonic acid and rapid equilibrium between CO₂ and carbonic acid is maintained by carbonic anhydrase inside RBC. Carbon dioxide is freely permeable through RBC membrane, while HCO₃⁻ inside RBC and plasma is rapidly equilibrated by anion exchanger (band 3) protein. When CO₂ is removed from RBC suspension, it results in the known alkalization of RBC interior and suspending medium. This results from removal of HCO₃⁻ inside and outside RBC; cytosolic HCO₃⁻ is converted to CO₂ by carbonic anhydrase and removed, while plasma HCO₃⁻ is removed via anion exchange inside RBC. Higher pH inside RBC is known to enhance the rate of glycolysis and thereby increasing ATP and DPG levels. ATP levels are higher in Ar/CO₂ (p<0.0001). DPG was maintained beyond 2 weeks in the Argon purged arm only (p<0.0001). Enhanced glycolysis rate is also predicted by dis-inhibition of key glycolytic enzymes via metabolic modulation and sequesterization of cytosolic-free DPG upon deoxygenation of hemoglobin as a result of anaerobic condition. DPG was lost at the same rate in both control and Ar/CO₂ arms (p=0.6) despite thorough deoxygenation of hemoglobin, while very high levels of ATP were achieved with OFAS3 additive (FIGS. 11a-d).

Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 12, another embodiment of a disposable blood anaerobic storage system is shown and referenced using reference numeral 500. The blood storage system includes a blood collection bag 510, an oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device 535 (OCDD 535) and an anaerobic blood storage bag 528. OCDD 535 removes oxygen and carbon dioxide from red blood cells traveling through it. Tubing connects the various components of the blood storage system 500. Tube 512 connects collection bag 510 with OCDD 535. Tubes 518 and 520 connect OCDD 535 with blood storage bag 528. Blood storage system 500 is preferably a single-use, disposable, low cost system.

Referring to FIG. 2, an oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device (OCDD) 101 contains an oxygen sorbent 110. OCDD 101 is a disposable cartridge 105 containing oxygen sorbent 110 and a series of hollow fibers 115. Oxygen sorbent 110 is a mixture of non-toxic inorganic and/or organic salts and ferrous iron or other materials with high reactivity toward oxygen. Oxygen sorbent 110 is made from particles that have significant absorbing capacity for O₂ (more than 5 ml O₂/g) and can maintain the inside of cartridge 105 to less than 0.01% which corresponds to PO₂ less than 0.08 mmHg. Oxygen sorbent 110 is either free or contained in an oxygen permeable envelope. OCDD 101 of the present disclosure must deplete approximately 100 mL of oxygen from a unit of blood.

After oxygen and carbon dioxide have been stripped from RBCs in the OCDD of FIG. 2, RBCs are stored in a blood storage bag 200. The oxygen content of RBC suspended in additive solution 300 must be reduced to equal to or less than 4% SO₂ before placing them in refrigerated storage. Further, oxygen depleted RBC must be kept in an anaerobic state and low carbon dioxide state throughout entire storage duration.

RBCs pass through an oxygen permeable film or membrane 115. The membrane or films may be constructed in a flat sheet or hollow fiber form. Films can be non porous materials that are capable of high oxygen permeability rates (polyolefins, silicones, epoxies, polyesters etc) and membrane are hydrophobic porous structures. These may be constructed of polymers (polyolefins, Teflon, PVDF, polysulfone) or inorganic materials (ceramics). Oxygen depletion takes place as RBCs pass through membrane 115. Hollow fibers may be used as a substitute for oxygen permeable films or membrane. OCDD provides a simple structure having a large surface area to remove oxygen and maintain constant flow of blood therethrough. The oxygen depletion or removal is accomplished by irreversible reaction of ferrous ion in oxygen sorbent 110 with ambient oxygen to form ferric oxide. OCDD 101 does not need agitation for oxygen removal and can be manufactured easily to withstand centrifugation as part of a blood collection system as necessary.

Referring to FIGS. 6a through 6c and FIGS. 7a through 7c, examples of flushing depletion devices are disclosed. The depletion devices function to deplete, O₂ and CO₂, or O₂, or CO₂ alone, or O₂ with specific levels of CO₂ by supplying appropriate composition of flushing gas. Gases appropriate for depletion devices are, for example, Ar, He, N₂, Ar/CO₂, or N₂/CO₂.

FIGS. 8 a through 8c and 9a through 9c, also disclose scavenging depletion devices. Depletion takes place with the use of scavengers or sorbents and without the use of external gases. In both types of depletion devices however, carbon dioxide depletion in conjunction with oxygen depletion is effective to enhance DPG and ATP, respectively, prior to storage in blood storage bags.

Referring to FIGS. 6a through 6c, a depletion device 20 is shown. Depletion device 20 includes a plurality of fibers 25, approximately 5000 in number, through which red blood cells flow. Plurality of fibers 25 are surrounded by a plastic cylinder 30. Plastic cylinder 30 contains a gas inlet 35 and a gas outlet 40 through which a flushing gas or a combination of flushing gases, such as those mentioned above, are supplied to remove carbon and/or oxygen from blood. Specifications for depletion device 20 are shown in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1
	Prototype	Eternal Gas	External Gas
	Specification	Pathways	Pathways
	Prototype Serial #:	Device 20
	Fiber Type:	Celgard 200/150-	Celgard
		66FPI	200/150-66FPI
	Number of Fibers:	5000	5000
	Active Length of	13	28
	Fibers (cm):
	Fiber OD (microns):	200	200
	Fiber ID (microns):	150	150
	Total Length of Fibers	15	30
	Active Fiber Surface	0.4084	0.8796
	Area (m2):

Referring to FIGS. 7a through 7c, a depletion device 45 is shown. Depletion device 45, like device 20 of FIGS. 6a to 6c, includes a plurality of fibers 50, approximately 5000 in number, through which red blood cells flow. Plurality of fibers 50 are surrounded by a plastic cylinder 55. Plastic cylinder 55 contains a gas inlet 60 and a gas outlet 65 through which a gas or a combination of gases, such as those mentioned above are supplied to remove carbon dioxide and/or oxygen from blood. Specifications for depletion device 45 are shown in Table 2 below. The active surface area of depletion of device 45 is twice that of device 20 because device 45 is twice as long as device 20.

TABLE 2
	Prototype	Eternal Gas	External Gas
	Specification	Pathways	Pathways
	Prototype Serial #:		Device 45
	Fiber Type:	Celgard 200/150-	Celgard
		66FPI	200/150-66FPI
	Number of Fibers:	5000	5000
	Active Length of	13	28
	Fibers (cm):
	Fiber OD (microns):	200	200
	Fiber ID (microns):	150	150
	Total Length of Fibers	15	30
	Active Fiber Surface	0.4084	0.8796
	Area (m2):

FIGS. 8 a through 8c disclose a depletion device 70 having a core 75 containing scavenging materials for either O₂, CO₂, or both O₂ and CO₂. Core 75 is packed by a gas permeable film with very low liquid permeability. Hollow fibers 80 are wound around core 75, and a plastic cylinder 82 contains and envelopes hollow fibers 80. In this particular embodiment, the active surface area for depletion is approximately 0.8796 m² as shown in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3
Prototype	Center Core	10 individual Bundles
Specification	125 grams Sorbent	200 grams Sorbent
Prototype Serial #:	Device 70
Fiber Type:	Celgard	Celgard
	200/150-66FPI	200/150-66FPI
Number of Fibers:	5000	5000
Active Length of	13	28
Fibers (cm):
Fiber OD	200	200
(microns):
Fiber ID (microns):	150	150
Total Length of	15	30
Fibers
Active Fiber	0.8796	0.8796
Surface Area (m2):

FIGS. 9 a through 9c disclose a depletion device 85 containing fiber bundles 87 enclosed in gas permeable film with very low liquid permeability. Fiber bundles 87 are surrounded by scavenger materials 89 for either O₂, CO₂ or both O₂ and CO₂. Fiber bundles 87 and scavenger materials 89 are contained within a plastic cylinder 90. The active surface area for depletion is approximately 0.8796 m² as shown in Table 4 below.

TABLE 4
Prototype	Center Core	10 individual Bundles
Specification	125 grams Sorbent	200 grams Sorbent
Prototype Serial #:		Device 85
Fiber Type:	Celgard	Celgard
	200/150-66FPI	200/150-66FPI
Number of Fibers:	5000	5000
Active Length of	13	28
Fibers (cm):
Fiber OD (microns):	200	200
Fiber ID (microns):	150	150
Total Length of	15	30
Fibers
Active Fiber	0.8796	0.8796
Surface Area (m2):

FIG. 10 is a plot of the performance of flushing depletion devices 20 and 45 and scavenging depletion devices 70 and 85. The data of FIG. 10 was plotted using the following conditions: Hematocrit, 62% (pooled 3 units of pRBC), and 21° C. at various head heights to produce different flow rates. Oxygen/carbon dioxide scavenger (Multisorb Technologies, Buffalo, N.Y.) was activated with adding 5% and 12% w/w water vapor for device 79 and device 85, respectively. Data are plotted with flow rate (g RBC suspension per min) vs. pO₂ (mmHg).

In the oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion devices disclosed herein, a plurality of gas permeable films/membranes may be substituted for the plurality of hollow fibers. The films and fibers may be packed in any suitable configuration within the cartridge, such as linear or longitudinal, spiral, or coil, so long as they can receive and convey red blood cells.

FIG. 10 shows that lowest oxygen saturation is achieved using devices 45 and 85. Device 45 exhibits a larger active surface area exposed to gases along length of fibers 50. Device 85 also has a long surface area of exposure to scavenging materials. Device 85 has bundles 87 surrounded by scavenging materials 89. The space occupied by scavenging materials 89 between bundles 87 promotes dispersion of oxygen and carbon dioxide from red blood cells contained in fiber bundles 87, thus aiding scavenging of oxygen and carbon dioxide from red blood cells.

A further use of the depletion devices is to add back oxygen and or carbon dioxide prior to transfusion by flushing with pure oxygen or air. This use is for special cases, such as massive transfusions, where the capacity of the lung to re-oxygenate transfused blood is not adequate, or sickle cell anemia.

Similarly, depletion devices can be used to obtain intermediate levels or states of depletion of oxygen and carbon dioxide depending needs of the patient to obtain optimal levels in the transfused blood depending upon the patients needs.

Referring to FIG. 3, a blood storage bag 200 according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. Blood bag 200 has an inner blood-compatible bag 250 (preferably polyvinyl chloride (PVC)), and an outer barrier film bag 255. The material of bag 250 is compatible with RBCs. Disposed between inner bag 250 and outer oxygen barrier film bag 255 is a pocket that contains an oxygen/carbon dioxide sorbent 110. Barrier film bag 255 is laminated to the entire surface of inner bag 250. Sorbent 110 is contained in a sachet 260, which is alternately referred to as a pouch or pocket. Sorbent 110 is optimally located between tubing 440 that leads into and from bag 200, specifically between inner bag and outer oxygen barrier film bag 255. This location will ensure that oxygen disposed between these two bags will be scavenged or absorbed. Oxygen sorbent is ideally located in a pouch or pocket 260 and not in contact with RBCs. Oxygen sorbent may also be combined with CO₂ scavengers or sorbents, enabling sorbent 110 to deplete both oxygen and carbon dioxide at the same time.

Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, blood storage bags 201 and 202 are configured to store RBCs for extended storage periods of time. Inner blood storage bags 205 are preferably made from DEHP-plasticized PVC and are in contact with RBCs. DEHP-plasticized PVC is approximately 200 fold less permeable to oxygen compared to silicone. However, PVC is insufficient as an oxygen barrier to maintain the anaerobic state of RBCs throughout the storage duration. Therefore, blood storage bags 201 and 202 are fabricated with outer transparent oxygen barrier film 206 (e.g. nylon polymer) laminated to the outer surface inner blood bag 205. This approach, as well as one shown in FIG. 3, uses accepted PVC for blood contact surface (supplying DEHP for cell stabilization) at the same time prevents oxygen entry into the bag during extended storage.

In FIG. 4a, a small sachet 210 containing oxygen/carbon dioxide sorbent 110 enveloped in oxygen-permeable, RBC compatible membrane is enclosed inside of laminated PVC bag 205 and in contact with RBCs. Small sachet envelope 210 is preferably made from a silicone or siloxane material with high oxygen permeability of biocompatible material. Sachet envelope 210 has a wall thickness of less than 0.13 mm thickness ensures that O₂ permeability ceases to become the rate-limiting step. PVC bag 205 may also contain carbon dioxide scavengers.

Referring to FIG. 4b, bag 202 has a similar configuration to bag 201 of FIG. 4a. However, bag 202 has a large sorbent 215 enclosed inside of PVC bag 205. Large sorbent 215 preferably has a comb-like configuration to rapidly absorb oxygen during extended storage. The benefit of laminated bags of FIGS. 4a and 4b is that once RBCs are anaerobically stored in bags, no further special handling is required. Similarly, bag 202 may contain carbon dioxide scavenger to provide carbon dioxide-scavenging in addition to oxygen-scavenging capability.

Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 5a and 5b, RBCs are stored in secondary bags 301 and 302, respectively, in order to maintain an anaerobic storage environment for RBC storage. Secondary bags 301 and 302 are transparent oxygen barrier films (e.g., nylon polymer) that compensate for the inability of PVC blood bags 305 and 320, respectively, to operate as a sufficient oxygen barrier to maintain RBCs in an anaerobic state. Secondary bags 301 and 302 are made with an oxygen barrier film, preferably a nylon polymer or other transparent, flexible film with low oxygen permeability.

Referring to FIG. 5a, a small oxygen/carbon dioxide sorbent 310 is disposed between a PVC barrier bag 305 and secondary bag 306 to remove slowly diffusing oxygen. FIG. 5a is similar to the preferred embodiment of the blood bag of FIG. 3 except that secondary bag 306 is separate from and not bonded to bag 305 in this embodiment. PVC bag 305 including ports are enclosed in secondary barrier bag 305. Oxygen sorbent 310 may optionally contain carbon dioxide scavengers to provide both oxygen and carbon dioxide scavenging capability.

Referring to FIG. 5b, a secondary bag 302 contains a large sachet 325 inside of PVC bag 320. Sachet 325 is filled with oxygen/carbon dioxide sorbent 110. Sachet 325 is a molded element with surface texture to increase the surface area. Sachet 325 has a comb-like geometry for rapid oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion. Sachet 325 acts rapidly to strip oxygen/carbon dioxide from RBCs prior to refrigeration and storage of RBCs in place of OCDD of FIG. 2. However, with this configuration, agitation is necessary, therefore sachet 325 must possess a large surface area, high oxygen/carbon dioxide permeability and mechanical strength to withstand centrifugation step during component preparation and the prolonged storage. Sachet 325 is preferably made from materials such as 0.15 mm thick silicone membrane with surface texture to increase the surface area. Sachet 325 may be made from materials such as PTFE or other fluoropolymer. Sachet 325 may have a rectangular shape such, such as, for example, a 4″×6″ rectangle, although other sizes are possible, for the anaerobic maintenance. Sachet 325 may contain carbon dioxide scavengers in addition to oxygen scavengers to provide oxygen and carbon dioxide scavenging capability.

The embodiments of FIGS. 5a and 5b are easily made from off-shelf components except for sachet 325 of FIG. 5b. In order to access RBCs for any testing, secondary bags 301 and 302 must be opened. Unless the unit is transfused within short time, RBC must be re-sealed with fresh sorbent for further storage. (1 day air exposure of storage bag would not oxygenate blood to appreciable degree, since PVC plasticized with DEHP has relatively low permeability to oxygen).

In FIGS. 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b, the PVC bag is preferably formed with the oxygen barrier film, such as an SiO₂ layer formed with the sol-gel method. A portion of the sheet material will be sealed on standard heat sealing equipment, such as radiofrequency sealers. Materials options may be obtained in extruded sheets and each tested for oxygen barrier, lamination integrity, and seal strength/integrity.

For each of the several embodiments addressed above, an additive solution from bag 300 is provided prior to stripping oxygen and carbon dioxide from the RBCs is used. The additive solution 300 preferably contains the following composition adenine 2 mmol/L; glucose 110 mmol/L; mannitol 55 mmol/L; NaCl 26 mmol/L; Na₂HPO₄ 12 mmol/L citric acid and a pH of 6.5. Additive solution 300 is preferably an acidic additive solution OFAS3, although other similar additive solutions could also be used that are shown to enhance oxygen/carbon dioxide-depleted storage. OFAS3 has shown enhanced ATP levels and good in vivo recovery as disclosed herein. While OFAS3 is a preferred additive solution, other solutions that offer similar functionality could also be used. Alternatively, additive solutions used currently in the field, such as AS1, AS3, AS5, SAGM, and MAPS can also be used. Additive solutions help to prevent rapid deterioration of RBCs during storage and are typically added prior to RBCs being made anaerobic.

Additionally, we envision that the OCDD and storage bags 100 and 200 can be manufactured independent of other components of the disposable, anaerobic blood storage system (i.e., every item upstream of and including leukoreduction filter 400 in FIG. 1).

It is within the scope of the present disclosure to remove oxygen from the RBCs or to strip oxygen and carbon dioxide from the blood prior to storage in the storage bags. An oxygen scavenger can be used to remove the oxygen from the RBCs prior to storage in the blood bags. As used herein, “oxygen scavenger” is a material that irreversibly binds to or combines with oxygen under the conditions of use. For example, the oxygen can chemically react with some component of the material and be converted into another compound. Any material where the off-rate of bound oxygen is zero can serve as an oxygen scavenger. Examples of oxygen scavengers include iron powders and organic compounds. The term “oxygen sorbent” may be used interchangeably herein with oxygen scavenger. As used herein, “carbon dioxide scavenger” is a material that irreversibly binds to or combines with carbon dioxide under the conditions of use. For example, the carbon dioxide can chemically react with some component of the material and be converted into another compound. Any material where the off-rate of bound carbon dioxide is zero can serve as a carbon dioxide scavenger. The term “carbon dioxide sorbent” may be used interchangeably herein with carbon dioxide scavenger. For example, oxygen scavengers and carbon dioxide scavengers are provided by Multisorb Technologies (Buffalo, N.Y.). Oxygen scavengers may exhibit a secondary functionality of carbon dioxide scavenging. Such materials can be blended to a desired ratio to achieve desired results.

Carbon dioxide scavengers include metal oxides and metal hydroxides. Metal oxides react with water to produce metal hydroxides. The metal hydroxide reacts with carbon dioxide to form water and a metal carbonate. For example, if calcium oxide is used, the calcium oxide will react with water that is added to the sorbent to produce calcium hydroxideCaO+H₂O→Ca(OH)₂

The calcium hydroxide will react with carbon dioxide to form calcium carbonate and water.Ca(OH)₂+CO₂→CaCO₃+H₂O

It will be appreciated that scavengers can be incorporated into storage receptacles and bags in any known form, such as in sachets, patches, coatings, pockets, and packets.

If oxygen removal is completed prior to introduction of the RBCs to the blood storage device, then it can be accomplished by any method known in the art. For example, a suspension of RBCs can be repeatedly flushed with an inert gas (with or without a defined concentration of carbon dioxide), with or without gentle mixing, until the desired oxygen and or carbon dioxide content is reached or until substantially all of the oxygen and carbon dioxide has been removed. The inert gas can be argon, helium, nitrogen, mixtures thereof, or any other gas that does not bind to the hememoiety of hemoglobin.

The OCDDs and various storage bags of the present disclosure can be used in varying combinations. For example, OCDD 101 of FIG. 2 can be used with blood bag of FIG. 3, 201 of FIG. 4a or 301 of FIG. 5a. When oxygen is depleted by in-bag sachet 215 of FIG. 5b, it can be stored as in FIG. 5b or oxygen/carbon dioxide-depleted content transferred to the final storage bag such as FIG. 3, FIG. 4a or FIG. 5a for extended storage. Other combinations and configurations are fully within the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also provides another embodiment of a blood storage device. The device is a sealed receptacle adapted to retain and store red blood cells. The receptacle has walls formed from a laminate. The laminate has (a) an outer layer of a material substantially impermeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide, (b) an inner layer of a material compatible with red blood cells, and (c) an interstitial layer between the outer layer and the inner layer. The interstitial layer is of a material having admixed therein an amount of either or both of an oxygen scavenger and a carbon dioxide scavenger. The layers preferably take the form of polymers. A preferred polymer for the outer layer is nylon. A preferred polymer for inner layer is PVC. The polymer of the interstitial layer should provide effective adhesion between the inner and outer layers and provide effective admixture of oxygen scavengers and/or carbon dioxide scavengers therein. Useful polymers for the interstitial layer include, for example, olefin polymers, such as ethylene and propylene homopolymers and copolymers, and acrylic polymers.

The present disclosure also provides another embodiment of a blood storage system. The system has a collection bag for red blood cells; a unitary device for depleting oxygen and carbon dioxide and reducing leukocytes and/or platelets from red blood cells; a storage bag for red blood cells; and tubing connecting the collection bag to the unitary device and the unitary device to the storage bag. A feature of this embodiment is that the functions of depleting oxygen and carbon dioxide and reducing leukocytes and/or platelets from red blood cells are combined into a single, unitary device rather than require separate devices. For instance, unitary device can take the form of a single cartridge. Leukocyte and/or platelet reduction is typically carried out by passing red blood cells through a mesh. In this embodiment, a mesh can be incorporated into either the flushing or the scavenging oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device disclosed herein. The mesh is preferably located within the device so that leukocyte and/or platelet reduction takes place prior to the onset of flushing or scavenging.

The following are examples of the present disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting.

EXAMPLES

The eight graphs below show the results of a 3-arm study showing: a control (aerobic OFAS3 with no O₂ or CO₂ depletion), anaerobic OFAS3 (both O₂ and CO₂ depleted with pure Ar), and O₂ only depleted with 95% Ar and 5% CO₂ (CO₂ is not depleted).

Whole blood was collected into CP2D (Pall), centrifuged 2K×G for 3 minutes, plasma removed, and additive solution AS-3 (Nutricel, Pall), or experimental OFAS3 added. The unit was evenly divided into 3 600 mL bags. 2 bags were gas exchanged ×7 with Ar or Ar/CO₂, transferred to 150 mL PVC bags and stored 1° C. to 6° C. in anaerobic cylinders with Ar/H₂ or Ar/H₂/CO₂. One control bag was treated in the same manner without a gas exchange and stored 1° C. to 6° C. in ambient air. Bags were sampled weekly for up to 9 weeks.

The plots of FIGS. 11a, 11c, 11e and 11g: use the additive solution OFAS3 (200 mL; experimental, proprietary) and the plots of FIGS. 11b, 11d, 11f and 11h, use the AS-3 additive solution. Comparing additive solutions, effects of CO₂ depletion on DPG levels were similar. OFAS3 showed higher ATP when oxygen was depleted (±CO₂), and O₂ depletion alone showed significant enhancement of ATP compared to aerobic control. AS-3 additive exhibited no significant enhancement of ATP when O₂ alone was depleted.

FIGS. 11 a and 11b: DPG levels during storage. DPG levels were maintained for over 2 weeks, when CO₂ was removed in addition to oxygen.

FIG. 11 c: ATP levels during storage with OFAS3. Highest ATP levels were achieved with OFAS3 RBC when O₂ only was depleted. For O₂/CO₂ depletion, intermediate levels of ATP were observed compared to the control while very high DPG levels were attained during first 2.5 weeks. Very high levels of ATP may suggest higher rate of 24-hour post transfusion recovery. Therefore, extent of carbon dioxide and oxygen depletion levels may be adjusted to meet the specific requirement of the recipient. DPG levels can be maintained very high (at the expense of ATP) for purposes of meeting acute oxygen demand of recipient. Conversely, very high ATP levels may allow higher 24-hour recovery rate (lower fraction of non-viable RBC upon transfusion) thereby reducing the quantity of blood needed to be transfused (up to 25% of RBC are non-viable). More importantly, this would benefit chronically transfused patients who may not demand highest oxygen transport efficiency immediately after transfusion (DPG level recovers in body after 8-48 hours) who suffers from toxic iron overloading caused by non-viable RBCs.

FIG. 11 d: ATP levels during storage with AS3. Highest ATP levels were achieved with AS3 RBC when O₂ only was depleted. No significant differences in ATP levels where observed with control and O₂ depletion alone.

FIGS. 11 e and 11f: pH of RBC cytosol (in) and suspending medium (ex). Immediately after gas exchange (day 0), significant rise in pH (in and ex) was observed only when CO₂ was depleted together with O₂. Rapid rates of pH decline observed with CO₂/O₂ depleted samples were caused by higher rates of lactate production (FIGS. 11g and 11h).

FIGS. 11 g and 11h: Normalized (to hemoglobin) glucose and lactate levels during storage with OFAS3 and AS3. Higher rates of glucose depletion and lactate productions correspond to high DPG levels observed in panels A and B. Legends for symbols/lines are same for both panels. OFAS3 additive contains similar glucose concentration with ×2 volume resulting in higher normalized glucose levels.

FIGS. 11 a and 11c taken together, suggest that extent of increases (compared to control) of ATP and DPG levels may be adjusted by controlling level of CO₂ depletion, when O₂ is depleted. Higher glucose utilization and lactate production were observed with enhanced DPG production (FIG. 11g). This may be also effective with AS3 additive, since similar trend in glucose utilization and lactate production were observed (FIG. 11h).

Although the present disclosure describes in detail certain embodiments, it is understood that variations and modifications exist known to those skilled in the art that are within the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications and variations that are within the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for removing oxygen from red blood cells, comprising: passing red blood cells through an oxygen depletion device, wherein said depletion device comprises:a receptacle of a solid material having an inlet and an outlet adapted to receiving and expelling a flushing gas; anda plurality of gas-permeable films or membranes extending within said receptacle from an entrance to an exit thereof, wherein said plurality of gas-permeable films or membranes are formed of a material permeable to oxygen and are adapted to receiving and conveying said red blood cells,wherein said plurality of gas-permeable films or membranes are each constructed in a flat sheet, and wherein said flushing gas comprises 5% CO2.

2. The blood storage system comprising, a collection bag for red blood cells;an oxygen depletion device;an oxygen impermeable storage bag for red blood cells; andtubing connecting said collection bag to said oxygen depletion device and tubing connecting said oxygen depletion device to said oxygen impermeable storage bag,wherein said oxygen depletion device comprises: a) a cartridge; a plurality of gas-permeable films or membranes formed of a material permeable to oxygen and are adapted to receiving and conveying red blood cells extending within said cartridge from an entrance to an exit thereof; andan amount of an oxygen scavenger packed within said cartridge and contiguous to and in between said plurality of gas-permeable films or membranes; or,b) a receptacle of a solid material having an inlet and an outlet adapted to receiving and expelling a flushing gas; and a plurality of gas-permeable films or membranes formed of a material permeable to oxygen and are adapted to receiving and conveying red blood cells extending within said receptacle from an entrance to an exit thereof,wherein said plurality of gas-permeable films or membranes are each constructed in a flat sheet, and wherein said oxygen impermeable storage bag for red blood cells has an inner blood-compatible surface comprising di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) plasticized polyvinyl-chlorine (PVC).

3. A blood storage system comprising: a collection bag for red blood cells;a unitary device for depleting oxygen and reducing leukocytes from red blood cells;an oxygen impermeable storage bag for red blood cells; andtubing connecting the collection bag to said unitary device and tubing connecting said unitary device to said oxygen impermeable storage bag.

4. The blood storage system of claim 3, wherein said unitary device further comprises platelet depletion.

5. The blood storage system of claim 3, wherein said oxygen impermeable storage bag for red blood cells has an inner blood-compatible surface comprising di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) plasticized polyvinyl-chlorine (PVC).

6. The blood storage system of claim 3, wherein said oxygen impermeable storage bag for red blood cells has an inner blood-compatible surface without di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP).

7. A method for increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in red blood cells, comprising: mixing red blood cells with an acidic additive solution, and passing said red blood cells through an oxygen depletion device, wherein said oxygen depletion device comprises: a) a cartridge; a plurality of gas-permeable films or membranes, extending within said cartridge from an entrance to an exit thereof, formed of a material permeable to oxygen and adapted to receiving and conveying said red blood cells; andan amount of an oxygen scavenger packed within said cartridge and contiguous to and in between said plurality of gas-permeable films or membranes; or,b) a receptacle of a solid material having an inlet and an outlet adapted to receiving and expelling a flushing gas; and a plurality of gas-permeable films or membranes formed of a material permeable to oxygen and are adapted to receiving and conveying said red blood cells extending within said receptacle from an entrance to an exit thereof,wherein said plurality of gas-permeable films or membranes are each constructed in a flat sheet.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said oxygen depletion device depletes oxygen in said red blood cells to less than, or equal to, 4% oxygen saturation (SO2).