Evaluation of Preserved Blood for Transfusion Therapy in Reduced Gravity

The Evaluation of Preserved Blood for Transfusion Therapy in Reduced Gravity project centers around developing a method to preserve red blood cells (RBCs) by dehydration for long-term storage at ambient temperature before rehydrating them with sterile water for transfusion therapy. This process is expected to reduce oxidative damage to the RBC membrane that occurs with other forms of storage while greatly increasing and simplifying the cells’ shelf life. Specifically, the experiment will evaluate the capability to adequately rehydrate the blood cells given the altered fluid physics in reduced gravity and microgravity environments. Problem Statement The simple storage conditions and long shelf life resulting from this new technique would make the preserved red blood cells attractive for the treatment of trauma, radiation-induced anemia, and other medical conditions that could occur during an exploration space mission. Technology Maturation In the first flight campaign, small volumes of the dehydrated red blood cells will be rehydrated in storage vials during periods of Lunar, Martian, and 0-G. A second flight campaign will evaluate the rehydration of a standard unit of red blood cells (500 ml), assess uniformity of mixing, size and shape of the red blood cells and the viability and function of the red blood cells, and assess if there are any problems when trying to transfuse the red blood cells into an analog limb vein model.

• Innovative: Fulfills a need for blood transfusion capabilities on long-duration missions • Sustainable: Provides storage without the need for refrigeration, reducing power consumption • Long-term: Surpasses the storage capabilities of current methods that preserve RBCs for only 42 days Future Customers • Treatment of in-flight trauma and radiation-induced anemia on crewed space exploration missions • Physicians on Earth, especially in remote areas or extreme conditions

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.