This ERC Proof of Concept grant was intended to validate and refine, and begin the commercialization process of a new storage solution media for red blood cells collected in blood banks worldwide. The conclusion of two large clinical trials (Age of Blood Evaluation and Red Cell Storage Duration Study) resulted in market conditions where the blood banking industry was not ready or willing to introduce a new storage solution for red blood cells. The participants then attempted to develop a diagnostics assay based on metabolic biomarkers identified in the same datasets used to design new storage solution formulations. This was done in order to bolster the techonology patent, that was an original objective in the project. Two technologies (photometry and biosensors) were tested in pilot experiments to measure these biomarkers in a non-invasive manner, but both technologies failed to meet minimum requirements needed for practical use in a clinical setting. A patent containing metabolic biomarkers that indicate the quality of red blood cells in storage was successfully taken through the international phase with a positive examination and is now in examination in the national phase at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The patent will also be filed for national phase examinations at the European Patent Office and the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. With the outbreak of the Zika virus there has been a renewed interest in blood cell storage technologies, especially diagnostic technologies. Therefore, the technology platform is believed to take on value as a result, and the development of a diagnostic tool will continue to be pursued, most likely in collaboration with a corporate partner
