Red blood cells (RBCs) present different antigens on their surfaces, whilst antibodies are found dissolved in plasma. Both can be identified by the forward and reverse blood typing, respectively. For safe blood transfusion, both tests must match. Blood typing can be performed through multiple techniques; the gel method is the most prevalent in blood banks. It relies on the antigen-antibody reaction, followed by RBCs centrifugation through a gel column. Positive results are characterized by agglutinated cells trapped at the top of the column. Individual RBCs on the bottom represent negatives. Here, for the first time, nanocellulose hydrogel is demonstrated as a novel renewable, biodegradable and highly sensitive media for reliable blood typing diagnostics. Isotonicity and low ionic strength are essential to prevent haemolysis while retaining the gel colloidal stability. Addition of sugars (D-glucose and trehalose) and neutral polymers (poly(ethylene) glycol) did not affect the electrostatic forces behind gellification and maintained the gel rheology. Although these additives increased the cell viability, instances of false positive results were observed. Amino acids (glycine) were able to balance the osmotic pressure and regulate haemolysis in the forward typing. Glycine-containing hydrogel presents osmolality similar to human plasma (330 mOsmol/kg) and rate of haemolysis as low as 5%. For the reverse typing, cellulose nanofibers were covalent bounded, and the gel tonicity balanced by the addition of sodium chloride. Due to the crosslinking, the gel yield point increased 8-fold. Gels containing salts achieved osmolality of 280 mOsmol/kg and decreased lysis to 12%, compared to 30% of haemolysis for pure nanocellulose gel. Nanocellulose hydrogel revealed to be performant, biodegradable and sustainable material for both blood typing diagnostics, providing clear and well-defined positive and negative results.

Nanocellulose hydrogels for blood typing diagnostics

2019 Spring National Meeting

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