Developing a Rehydration System for Lyophilized Blood Products

The goal of this research and development proposal is to determine the feasibility and necessary composition of a reliable, easy to use rehydration system for blood components including freeze-dried red blood cells, freeze-dried platelets, and freeze-dried plasma. Red blood cells are sensitive to rehydration-induced damage associated with hypo-osmolarity. To address this, DesiCorp proposes a burst-membrane rehydration bag with a transparent vapor barrier. The burst membrane mechanism allows for rapid reconstitution of the blood component, typically under 30 seconds, and the clear vapor barrier allows for easy assessment of the blood component before it is deployed. Unlike glass, this container would be pliable and resistant to damage, which is essential to the warfighter operating in austere conditions. Preliminary testing and feedback provided by the Air Force Special Operations Command have already provided insights into the form and function of this rehydration bag. The aims of this proposal are 1) to assess if that the vapor-barrier material complies with FDA hemocompatibility and leaching regulations, 2) to identify the key challenges of rehydrating blood in austere environments and engineer solutions to those challenges, and 3) to identify a clear civilian market for a rapid-rehydration package for pharmaceuticals.