Fixed-dried red blood cells (RBCs), and processes for preparing the same
are disclosed. The red blood cells, upon reconstitution with distilled
water or appropriate buffer: bind oxygen with native affinities, have
partial deformability, present minimal thrombogenicity to platelets, and
have oblated blood group antigens. The RBCs are preferably fixed by means
of cross-linkers with aldehyde functions such as paraformaldehyde or
glutaraldehyde either alone or in combination. Native oxygen kinetics are
achieved by preparing the red blood cells with 1,6-diphosphofructose.
Blood group antigens and chemical functions that render the lyophilized
RBCs thrombogenic are occluded by chemically attaching polyoxyethylene
glycol polymers to the surface membrane of the red blood cells. The
cross-linked red blood cells are preferably died by lyophilization.