Device for measuring ATP release from red blood cells

In recent years red blood cells (RBCs) deformability became of significant importance for clinical diagnostic of different diseases. The primary function of RBCs is to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and cells, and carbon dioxide in the opposite direction. Healthy RBCs, thanks to their ability to deform, are able to flow through capillaries with a diameter smaller than the diameter of RBCs. Therefore, the deformability of RBCs is crucial in microcirculation for continuous blood flow and tissue oxygenation. In response to inducing factors such as deformation, low pH, hypoxia, chemicals, etc. RBCs release adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which helps regulate vascular tone. That is why deformability of RBCs may be a valuable parameter to assess the intactness of the RBC membrane and the level of ATP release.

Until now there is no commercially available test, and no standardized method to evaluate the deformation-induced ATP release from RBCs, and therefore, there is no method for a reliable and repeatable measurement of such a biological and medical parameter. So far, some research groups have been building setups using a filter with pores smaller than RBC's diameter or creating shear stress to cause deformation. However:

•setup with filter it is not likely to ensure of all RBCs are passing through the pores,

•shear stress-caused deformation is not as effective as mechanically deformation.

Researchers from the Jagiellonian University have developed the a simple diagnostic device: deformation-induced ATP releaser (DIAR) for assessing simultaneously the ability of deformation and ATP release from RBCs via a kit build of capillaries and wells enabling the controlled squeezing of the RBCs through the vessels model.

Scientists defined also a new parameter, which indicates the state of RBCs deformability and ATP release function at the same time and may provide a quantitative measure of cytoskeletal integrity in RBCs. Presented invention can be a new evaluation/diagnosis method for pathologies/diseases of RBCs.

Current development status

Laboratory prototypes

Desired business relationship

Technology selling

Patent licensing