Polyvinyl Alcohol Could be Used to Store Blood for Longer Durations, Researchers Say

Arctic cods have inspired a team of researchers to find a new way of preserving blood.

According to the scientists at University of Warwick, Polyvinyl alcohol, the synthetic polymer which imitates properties of the antifreeze protein found in the arctic cods, can be used to preserve blood for a long time. The commonly found polymer-polyvinyl alcohol- works by preventing formation of ice crystals. These tiny crystals damage blood cells, making them unfit for transfusion.

The new method could help blood banks store blood for longer durations.

"We know that certain types of fish survive perfectly well in sub-zero sea temperatures without their blood freezing," Dr Matthew Gibson from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Warwick said in a news release.

"We used this as a starting point to search for synthetic substances which reflect what nature already does so well," said Gibson. "On closer examination it turns out that polyvinyl alcohol - which is actually a derivative of wood glue - mimics the properties of the antifreeze proteins found in these kinds of fish."

According to the researchers, the new method of preserving blood requires a low amount of the polymer whereas the current methods to freeze blood need large quantities of organic solvent. Also, unlike other solvents, polyvinyl alcohol needn't be removed from the blood, making it a good option for use in transfusion.

The polymer can also be used in freezing cells for in vitro scientific research.

Researchers along with Warwick Ventures are looking for commercial organizations that have expertise in developing the cryopreservation method.

The study 'Synthetic Polymers Enable Non-Vitreous Cellular Cryopreservation by Reducing Ice Crystal Growth During Thawing,' is published in the journal Nature Communications.