Microparticle sizing by dynamic light scattering in fresh-frozen plasma

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) contains procoagulant microparticles (MPs) derived from red blood cells.
• Current methods for sizing MPs have limitations.
• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) is a novel approach for MP characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the size distribution of MPs in FFP using DLS.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of 0.2 micrometer filtration in removing MPs.
• To assess the suitability of DLS for quality control of blood products.

Main Methods:

• FFP from blood groups A and O was analyzed using DLS (Zetasizer Nano S and N5 Submicron Particle Size Analyser).
• MP size and dispersity were measured pre- and post-0.2 micrometer filtration.
• Multi-angle measurements were employed to assess MP size distribution.

Main Results:

• The N5 analyser at a 30.1-degree angle detected MPs and confirmed their removal by filtration.
• Mean MP diameter significantly decreased post-filtration (101-464 nm pre vs. 21-182 nm post).
• No significant change in polydispersity index was observed; MP size did not differ significantly between blood groups O and A.

Conclusions:

• DLS is a novel and effective method for assessing MP size and distribution in FFP.
• The findings support the use of DLS for quality assessment of FFP and other blood products.
• 0.2 micrometer filtration effectively reduces the concentration of procoagulant MPs in FFP.