Microplastics Released from Blood Storage Bags: A Hidden Contribution to Red Blood Cell Storage Lesions

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.