An Automated Hollow Fiber System for the Deglycerolization of Thawed Frozen Human Blood

The objectives of this proposed Phase I program are to demonstrate the feasibility and potential advantages of a new technical approach for the deglycerolizatio of thawed frozen human blood. This approach uses a hollow fiber separator to remove glycerol and saline wash solution from red cells in an efficient recirculation process that uses serial dilution. THe anticipated advantages from this apporach are: fully automatic operation; reduced processing time; reduced disposable costs; and reduced hardware size and costs compared to centrifugal machines. The proposed program will analytically model system operation, design and construct hollow fiber separators and a complete disposable blood and saline handling system, design and construct a manually operated control system simulating a microprocessor controlled system using roller pumps and tubing pinch valves, and testing this complete mockup system with blood to determine and demonstrate feasibility and potential advantages of this approach.