Shielding method could boost availability of blood supplies

CryoLogyx, developers of a preservation method for live frozen cells, is now developing a similar shielding process for blood cells, meaning supplies can potentially be accessed more easily in crisis situations.

Based at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Venture Centre, the company, co-founded by Dr Tom Congdon and Professor Matt Gibson in 2021, was inspired by 'extremophiles' - species of animals, fish and plants that can survive in sub-zero environments by using specialised proteins to protect their cells from damage caused by ice.  

Company co-founder Dr Tom Congdon, said: “When blood transfusions are needed by doctors to treat patients, they have a couple of options at present. They can either source fresh blood, which is of high quality but has a very short shelf-life, or thaw out frozen blood, which can be stockpiled but is of poorer quality due to the thawing process damaging the delicate blood cells.

“Our shield preserves the blood cells during thawing, meaning the blood will be of far higher quality and is more likely to result in positive outcomes for patients.

“If our research comes to fruition, we believe it will have far-reaching consequences both in civilian and military contexts. For example, doctors could more reliably store rarer blood types in freezers and extract them when needed instead of having to rely on a constant supply of fresh blood from donors, which can lead to shortages.

“In addition, field hospitals in conflict zones would be able to extract high quality blood more quickly to treat soldiers more effectively. Around 90 per cent of military casualties are due to blood loss, meaning having reliable sources of blood available could mean the difference between life and death.”

With a pressing need for more space, Dr Congdong approached the management team at the Venture Centre, who quickly found the company an ideal unit incorporating both lab and office space.

“It’s meant we’ve been able to replicate the ‘closed system’ that the blood banking industry uses within our lab, giving us more reliable results, while also allowing the researchers and our back-office staff to all work together.”

Jane Talbot,  Venture Centre Manager said: “Ensuring our life science tenants have the best possible lab space for their research is incredibly important to us, so when CryoLogyx wanted to expand, we made it as smooth as possible for them. It’s brilliant to hear how well their research is going as a result, and we’re proud to be playing our part by facilitating their work.”

Dirk Schaefer, SME Engagement Lead at the University of Warwick Science Park, added: “CryoLogyx has come a long way since it opened its first office with us and Dr Congdon and the team are creating some truly incredible products.

“We’re looking forward to hearing about the progress of their research and hopefully seeing their products being used to save lives in the future.”

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