Red Blood Cell Storage Physiology: Donor Variability, Mechanics, and Preservation Paradigms

This Research Topic aims to integrate donor biology with mechanistic and biophysical advances to clarify the physiology underpinning red blood cell (RBC) storage, preservation, and post storage function. It intends to define how donor factors (age, sex, BMI, biological age), genetic variants (e.g., G6PD, PIEZO1), and manufacturing variables shape redox–metabolic state (ATP/purines, oxidative stress), membrane–cytoskeletal integrity (protein complexes, organization), and ion handling (Na+/K+ATPase, band 3, PIEZO1, Gardos/KCa3.1, NHE), thereby influencing deformability, osmotic resilience, vesiculation, oxygen off-loading (P50), and hemolysis across heterogeneous RBC subpopulations. The collection further aims to evaluate hypoxic/anaerobic, supercooled, and cryopreservation/deglycerolization paradigms, linking osmotic and mechanical properties to 24-hour recovery, in vitro hemolysis, microparticle burden, senescence markers, and splenic clearance propensity. Methodologically, the collection will use laser ektacytometry, artificial microvascular networks, AI-based morphology profiling, high throughput omics, and standardized quality metrics to inform mechanism guided optimization of stored RBC efficacy.Main areas include, but are not limited to:• Donor biology and genetics shaping RBC storability and heterogeneity• Animal models of RBC transfusion• Mechanisms of storage lesion: metabolism/redox, membrane structure, ion transport• Post-storage function (deformability, hemolysis, vesiculation, oxygen handling/P50)• Preservation methods, manufacturing variables, validated quality/outcome metrics and innovative products for transfusion.Guest Editor Prof. Jason Acker is a Co-founder of PanTHERA CryoSolutions Inc, a Biolife Solutions company. Guest Editor Prof. Michel Prudent discloses that he is an employee of Transfusion Interrégionale CRS, a private non-profit company. In relation to this Research Topic, he received research grants from Hemanext (MA, USA), a private company for the oxygen-controlled storage of RBC. All other Guest Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject. Topic editors: Syed M Qadri, Michel Prudent, Vassilis L Tzounakas, Jason Acker, Grazia Maria Virzì Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77182/red-blood-cell-storage-physiology-donor-variability-mechanics-and-preservation-paradigms