Patent ID: 6358678
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: A01N

Abstract:
A method for stabilization erythrocytes against the stress of lyophilization prior to storage and transfusion, comprising the steps of:treating erythrocytes with CO gas; reacting said erythrocytes with a reversible cross-linking agent in the presence of a high concentration of a low molecular-weight cryoprotectant; lyophilizing said erythrocytes; storing said erythrocytes at room temperature; reconstituting said erythrocytes in distilled water; reversing said cross-linking of said erythrocytes by reacting with about 10 mM of DTT; and oxygenating said erythrocytes; wherein said reversible cross-linking agent partially cross-links said erythrocytes such that said erythrocytes are rendered permeable to loading of said low molecular weight cryoprotectant, wherein said reversible cross-linking agent is selected from the group consisting of diamide and dimethyl-3,3â€²-dithiobispropionimidate (DTBP), wherein said cross-linking agent is reacted with a concentration of from about 5 mM to about 10 mM from about 1 hour to about 5 hours, wherein said low molecular weight cryoprotectant is selected from the group consisting of glucose, fructose, sucrose, trehalose, raffinose and combinations thereof, and wherein said high concentration of said low molecular cryoprotectant is of from about 500 mM to about 800 mM.