Revolutionizing Blood Storage Through Gas-Based Preservation

Objective

Blood transfusion saves millions of lives each year, yet current storage methods limit platelet lifespan to 5–7 days and red blood cells to 42 days, leading to shortages, waste, and risks to patient care. BREATH will address these critical challenges by pioneering a new generation of blood preservation bags incorporating safe, precisely engineered metal–organic framework (MOF)/polymer composites. These composites will enable controlled, long-term release of therapeutic gases (gasotransmitters such as nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulphide) that help maintain cellular quiescence, reduce oxidative damage and contamination, and extend storage duration without compromising function. While conventional chemical gas donors lack precision, low storage capacity, and poor stability, MOF-based systems can store large amounts of gas and release it gradually, offering unprecedented safety and efficacy. BREATH will integrate these materials into polymeric coatings/membranes compatible with existing storage bags, followed by rigorous evaluation of gas bioactivity through hemocompatibility and bactericidal effects. BREATH integrates expertise in MOF engineering, gas adsorption and therapeutic delivery, and polymer composites tailored for biomedical applications. It includes a secondment at a leading life sciences and biomedical research institute to validate materials under relevant conditions and support translation towards practical innovation solutions. For the fellow, BREATH offers advanced training in polymer composites processing and engineering, blood testing, and structured training project management, training soft skills and young researchers supervision strengthening leadership skills and an international network. By bridging cutting-edge materials science with urgent healthcare needs, BREATH will open a new chapter in blood preservation, improving patient outcomes, reducing waste, and enhancing resilience of transfusion systems worldwide.