Grant: Operating Grant - Priority Announcement: Blood Utilization and Conservation

Cell-based therapeutics has emerged as a critical aspect of modern health care and has shaped new models of care in stem cell and regenerative therapy. Unfortunately, current cryopreservation protocols are suboptimal and limit the utility of hematopoietic stem cells from human cord blood and red blood cells (RBCs) collected from donors with rare red cell phenotypes. Improved cryopreservation methods will increase the success of such therapies and improve outcomes for patients. The most significant cause of decreased cell viability and impaired function during cryopreservation is direct mechanical damage from ice crystals. Preventing this process using the ice recrystallization inhibitors developed in our laboratory will reduce cellular injury during cryopreservation and enhance the recovery of specialized cellular functions.