You are currently viewing Blood Derived Products: Fascinating Platform for Biomedical Research

Blood Derived Products: Fascinating Platform for Biomedical Research

In the field of biomedical research, Blood provides valuable insights of human health and diseases. In the human body, around five liters of blood flow through veins and arteries. Blood is not only the carrier of oxygen and carbon dioxide but it offers much more than this. Blood is life-saving liquid, is a complex colloidal mixture comprising red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, and plasma. In this blog, we delve deep into the potential of blood products in biomedical research.

Blood-derived product for research: 

  • Red blood cells (RBCs)
  • Platelets
  • Plasma
  • Plasma-derived medicinal derivatives

Why is there a need for the separation of whole blood into components?

In contrast to earlier practices, the current medical approach discourages the transfusion of whole blood for every patient, recognizing that not all components are needed simultaneously. This awareness has led to the development of technologies enabling the separation of individual constituents from whole blood, facilitating the commercial production of specific blood-derived products. This innovative approach maximizes the utility of each blood donation.Separation of whole blood | Kosheeka

The separation of individual components offers several advantages. It allows for the storage of each component under specific optimum conditions and enables targeted transfusions, reducing the risk of hypervolemia or unwanted increases in individual component concentrations. Technologies such as gravitational centrifugation and apheresis play a pivotal role in achieving this component separation.

Such separations are achieved by spinning the whole blood at light and heavy spin, which give rise to platelet-rich plasma and platelet-poor plasma, which are extensively used as blood products for biomedical research.

RBCs-Derived Drug Delivery System: Evolution, Strategies, and Applications

Over the past decades, the transformation from conventional drug formulations to innovative drug delivery systems has revolutionized patient care by enhancing compliance, safety, and efficacy. A significant area of focus has been the development of optimal drug formulations capable of precisely delivering therapeutic cargo to target sites. A prominent approach involves bio-inspired solutions, particularly the utilization of RBC-derived particles, as these possess a unique blend of natural benefits and synthetic characteristics for effective drug delivery.

RBC-Derived Platforms:

Lifespan: Natural RBCs, with a lifespan of 90–120 days, present an attractive foundation for drug delivery. This extended circulation time is especially advantageous to prevent premature clearance of therapeutic agents and reducing the toxicity associated with higher drug dosages.

Development of RBC Coated/Camouflaged Drug Delivery Systems: The last two decades have contributed to the evolution and advancements in RBC coated/camouflaged drug delivery systems, emphasizing their status as “Smart Delivery Systems.” The past decade has witnessed significant progress in drug encapsulation methods and membrane coating technologies for RBC-based delivery systems.

RBC-coated nanocarriers, combining the natural coating of RBCs with a synthetic core, facilitate controlled drug release, prolonged circulation time, and increased therapeutic efficiency.

RBC-derived drug delivery systems represent a cutting-edge approach in pharmaceutical research, holding immense potential for precise and efficient therapeutic cargo delivery. The unique combination of natural and synthetic attributes positions these systems as a transformative force in the future of drug delivery and nanomedicine.

Plasma therapy: A passive immunization approach

Plasma, a key component of blood, holds immense potential for deriving essential products such as clotting factors, albumin, immunoglobulin, and fibrin glue through various plasma fractionation methods.

In times of medical emergencies or pandemics, when targeted treatments are unavailable, convalescent plasma (CP) from recovered human patients has emerged as a robust therapeutic alternative. Initially, convalescent whole blood was employed in clinical settings; however, CP quickly replaced it due to superior outcomes and the elimination of the need for typing and cross-matching, streamlining the therapeutic process. CP, administered intravenously or intramuscularly, is easily procurable without requiring sophisticated isolation techniques.

Evolution of Convalescent Plasma Therapy in Respiratory Diseases:

Respiratory infections, major contributors to severe illness and mortality globally, encompass a spectrum of pathogens affecting different parts of the respiratory system. The deadly viruses, such as rhinoviruses, influenza, and coronaviruses, lead to respiratory infections, which need targeted therapeutic approaches.

CP therapy is passive artificial immunization in various viral outbreaks in history:

Throughout history, various influenza outbreaks, notably the H1N1 influenza pandemic of 1918, witnessed the application of CP therapy. During the critical period of the H1N1 outbreak, CP administration significantly reduced the fatality rate, marking the first recorded use of CP therapy. In the case of SARS, CP infusion, combined with antiviral and corticosteroid treatments, demonstrated successful clinical outcomes and reduced mortality rates. For MERS, the World Health Organization established a protocol for CP therapy, emphasizing the need for further efficacy trials.

Plasma therapy stands as a versatile and promising approach to managing various viral respiratory diseases and other severe infections. As ongoing research continues to unravel its potential, CP therapy remains a valuable tool in the medical arsenal, offering hope for effective treatment strategies during pandemics and medical crises.

Platelet-derived blood derivatives in wound healing

Platelets, essential components of blood, play a crucial role in tissue regeneration by triggering degranulation and releasing trophic factors. Two types of granules within platelets, alpha and dense granules, contribute to wound healing, tissue repair, angiogenesis, and stem cell behavior.

Alpha granules in platelets have growth factors like platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), epithelial growth factor (EGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These factors play a pivotal role in chemotactically recruiting and activating stem cells, inducing mitogenesis, and promoting differentiation.

Dense granules in platelets contribute to tissue regeneration by releasing mediators such as serotonin and histamine. These substances enhance vessel permeability and tissue perfusion, promoting an optimal environment for regeneration.

Platelet-rich blood derivatives:

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP, a well-established platelet-based blood derivative, is prepared through a two-step centrifugation process of anticoagulant-treated blood. This process concentrates platelets fourfold to sevenfold compared to whole blood, making PRP a potent therapeutic option in tissue regeneration studies.Platelet rich blood derivatives | Kosheeka

Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF): PRF, an evolution from PRP, is a single-stage centrifuged product that doesn’t require additional chemicals. Obtained through immediate centrifugation of blood, PRF presents two subtypes: standard PRF (S-PRF) and activated PRF (A-PRF). The fibrin network in PRF, formed without anticoagulants, enhances the gradual release of growth factors, contributing to the prolonged maintenance and stimulation of stem cells.

Platelet-derived blood derivatives, particularly PRP and PRF, have gained significant attention in tissue regeneration studies. Their ability to release growth factors for extended periods, varied fibrin architectures, and injectable forms make them versatile tools for promoting wound healing and tissue repair. As research progresses, these blood derivatives continue to hold promise for advancing the field of regenerative medicine.

The Integral Role of Biobanks in Advancing Biotechnological Research

Biobanks have a pivotal role in boosting scientific research and ensuring the reliability of results while adhering to standard laboratory practices and ethical requirements. These organoids prove instrumental in addressing unresolved queries in translational research. Their intricate operations demand robust governance, organizational efficiency at the scientific, technical, and administrative levels, and dedicated funding. A cutting-edge development in the biotechnology field is the emergence of next-generation biobanking, featuring the creation of organoids as “avatars” for different neoplastic lesions.

Conclusion

The evolution in blood processing technologies has not only enhanced the efficiency of blood-derived product production but has also bolstered safety measures. Vigilant monitoring of blood banks and manufacturing processes ensures adherence to regulatory standards, guaranteeing the safety and efficacy of blood-derived products for research. In conclusion, the landscape of blood-derived products for research has undergone a transformative shift, driven by advancements in separation technologies and safety measures. At Kosheeka, we are committed to provide high-quality blood products through our streamlined production processes and robust quality control parameters.

Dr.Swati Chitrangi (PhD)

Dr. Swati Chitrangi, PhD, Head of Production at Advancells Group, will be leading the session. With over 15 years of experience in regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy, and organoid research, Dr. Swati has contributed significantly to the advancement of disease modelling and drug discovery using organoids. Her deep expertise in precision medicine and patient-specific organoid development will provide valuable insights into the transformative potential of these advanced models.
Dr. Swati holds a PhD in Bioengineering and an MBA in Strategic Management from the Indian Institute of Management (IIML-2025), providing her with a unique blend of scientific and business acumen. She has been involved in several pioneering research projects and has authored publications on patient-derived organoids for precision oncology, the derivation of human iPSC lines, and engineered 3D in vitro models for drug toxicity studies. Her work emphasizes the translation of cutting-edge stem cell technology into practical applications for patient care and drug development.

Leave a Reply