Biopreservation is the process of maintaining the integrity and functionality of cells held outside the native environment for extended storage times. The development of red blood cell (RBC) biopreservation techniques that maintain in vitro RBC viability and function represents the foundation of modern blood banking. The biopreservation of RBCs for clinical use can be categorized based on the techniques used to achieve biologic stability, including hypothermic storage and cryopreservation. This review will examine the emerging role of liposomes in the RBC biopreservation, including the incorporation of liposomes into RBC membranes as an effective approach for minimizing RBC hypothermic storage membrane lesion and use of liposomes as a permeabilization strategy for the intracellular accumulation of novel intracellular cryoprotectants. Integration of current biopreservation research with blood banking practices offers enormous potential for future improvements of safety and efficacy of RBC transfusion.

Keywords:
Storage, Biopreservation, Blood, Liposomes, Membrane, Cryopreservation, Hypothermia, Red blood cell, Erythrocyte
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel
2011
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.