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Microplastics Released from Blood Storage Bags: A Hidden Contribution to Red Blood Cell Storage Lesions
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Blood storage bags shed tiny plastic particles into the solutions used to preserve donated blood, and the longer blood sits in storage, the more microplastics build up and interact with red blood cells. This matters because these particles may contribute to blood cell damage during storage—but the good news is researchers found that filtering the solution before use removed most of the plastic and helped keep red blood cells healthier.
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Growing evidence supports the widespread pollution of microplastics (MPs) in medical scenarios. Infusion-related interventions, especially blood transfusion, could provide an important translocation pathway for exogenous MPs to enter human bodies. However, the presence of MPs in blood storage systems and their potential contributions to storage lesions have not been documented. Herein, we observed that MPs released into the preservation solutions attached to and interacted with red blood cells (RBCs). The improper storage- and transportation-related variables promoted MP shedding from blood storage bags by intensifying both physical and chemical degradation of the polymer surface. In a 30-day storage period, the concentration of MPs progressively increased in two classical preservation solutions, with that in mannitol-adenine-phosphate solution consistently higher than that in citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine solution under both room temperature and mechanical shaking conditions. Therefore, the MP-associated hazards increased during long-term blood storage but remained relatively lower under short-term storage conditions. The ultrafiltration of blood preservation solutions effectively removed 78%–85% MPs and further ameliorated the integrity and functionality of RBCs. Collectively, our findings are significant because they provide direct proof of the pollution and adverse effects of MPs in blood storage systems and also propose practical mitigation strategies to safeguard the safety of blood storage.
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Microplastics in blood bags may affect red blood cells
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Scientists found tiny bits of plastic (microplastics) in bags used to store donated blood, likely coming from the plastic bags themselves, and these particles may affect the health of red blood cells over time. However, researchers caution it's too early to say blood bags need to be redesigned, more studies are needed to understand if this actually poses a risk to patients receiving blood transfusions.
Microplastic contamination of donated blood and red cell concentrates
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Researchers investigated whether blood donation and processing procedures introduce microplastics into transfusion products, finding that plastic blood collection packs and processing steps may contribute to microplastic contamination. Microplastics have previously been found in human blood at varying concentrations, with potential associations to vascular and thrombotic effects. The study raises important questions about whether blood processing equipment may be an underrecognized source of microplastic exposure for transfusion recipients.
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This review examines how the materials used in blood storage bags, primarily PVC plasticized with DEHP, contribute to the degradation of stored blood products. The study highlights that plasticizer leaching, poor gas barrier properties, and the generation of micro- and nanoplastics actively accelerate blood product deterioration, and argues for a shift toward active, intelligent preservation systems using alternative materials.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.