Acoustophoretic removal of proteins from blood components

This work presents the development of a miniaturized system for removing plasma proteins and other low-molecular-weight compounds from red blood cell (RBC) concentrate in a simple one-step-process using integrated ultrasound. The technology utilizes the principles of acoustophoresis to transfer the RBCs from the original plasma-containing solution into a protein-free SAG-M additive solution in a continuous flow process. The preparation of protein free RBC concentrate is important for blood transfusion to patients suffering from immunoglobulin A (IgA)-deficiency and developing antibodies against IgA. We show a nearly complete removal of both albumin and IgA from concentrated RBCs via this one-step-processes in samples obtained from RBC concentrate. The cell recovery of our technology is close to 97 %, compared to just above 90 % of the current procedure of repeated dilution and centrifugation steps. This work clearly shows the potential of integrated acoustophoresis in a miniaturized system for clinical applications.