The Development of a Hemocompatible Protein-Capturing Filter Materials for the Efficient Production of Universal Blood

Recent scientific findings identified a set of enzymes in the human gut that can selectively convert blood group antigens to universal blood type O, by cleaving off the sugar chains present on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The increased availability of universal donor blood decrease the shortage of such precious product and will save patients in emergency. However, the application of these new enzymes currently requires a centrifugation step to remove the enzymes from the blood prior to transfusion. As a result, the upscaling of this technique is very challenging. In this proposal, we are developing a novel device that can capture enzymes prior to transfusion. For that purpose, the blood group-cleaving enzymes will be genetically modified with different kinds of capture-tags and complementary tag immobilized blood compatible matrix/filter will be developed to capture the enzymes. The goals of this project are to investigate the capture concept, optimize the capture-tag and complimentary tag, enzyme capture efficiency and blood compatibility of the filter matrix, and the generation of universal blood without unwanted side reactions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jayachandran Kizhakkedathu

Student:

Partner:

ABOzymes Biomedical

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: