Cellular Preservation Technology (CPT) with Xenon Gas
Xenon gas (Xe) is considered to be biologically inert in small concentrations. However, at concentrations of 50% and higher, it is approved and used in inhaled anesthesia mixtures in Europe. As an anesthetic it has no side effects, unlike alternative anesthetic mixtures (such as those that are NO2 -based).
CPT biophysically influences the metabolic processes of biological cells using the unique properties of xenon. The mechanism of Xe action on mammalian cells is currently under investigation. It is proposed that Xe affects the physical characteristics of the external cellular membrane.
Xe reversibly influences membrane fluidity and permeability due to its atom size and its characteristically high solubility in lipids. Our research demonstrates that Xe decreases the viscosity of the extracellular membrane by decreasing the number of membrane rafts. This leads to fewer regions in the membrane for clustering/expression of certain cell receptors to occur (for example: the GPIb receptor in platelets) and therefore inhibits cell reaction to external stresses and protects mitochondria. As a result, we observed significant reduction of apoptosis in the variety of cell lines, protection of potent cells from spontaneous differentiation during storage, and reduction in hemolysis of red blood cells in the long-term storage.
This exciting avenue of research has the potential to lead to improvements in the storage and preservation of a variety of types of cells and tissues, as well as possible incorporation into common therapeutic regimens. Some additional applications currently under investigation are:
- Bone Marrow
- Stem Cells
- Red Blood Cells
- Transplant Organs
Our technology enables the refrigeration of platelets in a hyperbaric xenon-saturated atmosphere. This innovative method of platelet storage extends the functional shelf-life of stored platelets from the current standard of five days to at least 14 days. CPT stored platelets remain in circulation long after transfusion and retain long-term hemostatic ability.
CPT Platelet System Benefits
- Increased Platelet Supply and Reduction of Supply Shortages
The longer platelet shelf-life, provided by the CPT system, allows for greater flexibility to respond to fluctuating global demand. - Reduction of Safety Risks
Refrigeration of platelets inhibits bacterial growth and ensures contamination does not occur in the storage process. Longer storage also allows for a more rigorous testing process of samples. - Expanding Existing Distribution Networks
Extended storage time and instrument design facilitates the transportation of platelets by increasing the ease, distance and allowable duration of transportation. - Allows hospitals and blood banks to greatly enhance the scope and quality of the services they provide
Platelet Storage Technology
Our unique approach extends storage of platelets by addressing both the risk of bacterial growth and the degradation of platelet functionality during storage. This platelet storage technology utilizes a combination of optimal levels of temperature, pressure and xenon gas concentration in order to ensure the integrity and reliability of the platelets for use after storage.
Our novel application of xenon gas is a key component of this breakthrough technology. By taking advantage of xenon’s unique qualities as an inert gas and its non-toxicity at controlled levels, CPT technology creates an environment conductive to refrigeration and long-term storage, while simultaneously preserving the functional and morphological characteristics of the platelets. Storage in a hyperbaric xenon atmosphere has been proven to prevent immediate clearance of platelets from the blood stream upon transfusion. By remaining in circulation, stored platelets have long-term hemostatic functionality.
Refrigeration of platelets prevents bacterial growth in stored samples, thereby addressing the contamination concerns that currently limit the allowable length of platelet storage. Refrigeration has also been shown to effectively slow down cell metabolism and inhibit cell death pathways within the cell. This allows extended storage of platelets while maintaining their functional integrity.
Cellular Preservation Technology (CPT) by General Biophysics is an advanced xenon-based solution designed to improve the storage and viability of biological cells. By leveraging the unique physical properties of xenon gas, CPT introduces a new approach to preserving cellular integrity and extending storage lifespans.
Unlike traditional storage methods, CPT works at the cellular level by influencing membrane fluidity and permeability. Xenon dissolves in lipid membranes, reducing membrane viscosity and limiting the formation of membrane rafts. This process decreases receptor clustering and cellular stress responses, helping to protect mitochondria and reduce apoptosis.
Our research demonstrates that xenon-based preservation significantly improves the stability of various cell types, including platelets, red blood cells, and stem cells. It also helps prevent unwanted cell differentiation during storage and reduces hemolysis in long-term preservation.
One of the most impactful applications of CPT is platelet storage. Using a hyperbaric xenon-saturated environment combined with controlled temperature and pressure, our system extends platelet shelf-life from five days to at least fourteen days. These preserved platelets retain their functionality, remain in circulation after transfusion, and maintain long-term hemostatic performance.
In addition to improving storage duration, CPT enhances safety by enabling refrigeration, which reduces bacterial growth and contamination risks. This allows for more rigorous testing and improves overall reliability in medical use.
The technology also expands logistical capabilities by enabling longer transportation times and broader distribution of biological materials. This is particularly valuable for hospitals, blood banks, and healthcare systems managing supply and demand challenges.
General Biophysics continues to advance CPT as a scalable solution for next-generation cell preservation, with potential applications in transplant medicine, regenerative therapies, and biobanking.
What is Cellular Preservation Technology (CPT)?
CPT is a xenon-based technology that enhances the preservation of biological cells by improving membrane stability and reducing cellular degradation during storage.
How does xenon improve cell preservation?
Xenon interacts with cell membranes, reducing membrane viscosity and stabilizing cellular structures, which helps prevent apoptosis and preserves cell functionality.
What cells can be preserved using CPT?
CPT can be applied to platelets, red blood cells, stem cells, bone marrow, and potentially transplant organs.
How long can platelets be stored with CPT?
CPT extends platelet storage from the standard five days to at least fourteen days while maintaining functionality and circulation after transfusion.
Why is xenon used in this technology?
Xenon is an inert, non-toxic gas with unique physical properties that allow it to stabilize cell membranes and create optimal storage conditions.