Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 6, 2026
Treatment of Platelet Products with Riboflavin and UV Light: Effectiveness Against High Titer Bacterial Contamination
Published on: August 24, 2015
Treatment of Platelet Concentrates with the Mirasol Pathogen Inactivation System Modulates Platelet Oxidative Stress
1Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Background:
Pathogen inactivation (PI) technologies for platelets aim to improve transfusion safety by preventing the replication of contaminating pathogens. However, as a consequence of treatment, aspects of the platelet storage lesion are amplified. Mirasol treatment also affects platelet signal transduction and apoptotic protein expression. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Mirasol treatment on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent oxidative stress.
Methods:
Pooled platelet concentrates were prepared in platelet-additive solution (70% SSP+ / 30% plasma). ABO-matched platelets were pooled and split, and treated with the Mirasol system (TerumoBCT) or left untreated as a control. Platelet samples were tested on day 1, 5, and 7 post-collection.
Results:
Mirasol-treated platelets had increased formation of ROS by day 5 of storage. Oxidative damage, in the form of protein carbonylation, was higher in Mirasol-treated platelets, whilst no effect on nitrotyrosine formation or lipid peroxidation was detected. The NF-κB signaling pathway was also activated in Mirasol-treated platelets, with increased expression and phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and IκBα.
Conclusion:
These data demonstrate that Mirasol-treated platelets produce more ROS and display protein alterations consistent with oxidative damage.
Insights
Mirasol treatment of platelets increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative damage, impacting platelet storage. This study investigated the effects of pathogen inactivation on oxidative stress in platelets.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Biotechnology
- Hematology
Background:
- Pathogen inactivation (PI) technologies enhance blood transfusion safety by preventing pathogen replication.
- PI treatments can exacerbate the platelet storage lesion, affecting platelet quality.
- Mirasol treatment influences platelet signaling and apoptotic protein expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Mirasol PI treatment on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in platelets.
- To assess the subsequent oxidative stress in treated platelets during storage.
Main Methods:
- Pooled platelet concentrates were prepared and treated with the Mirasol system or left untreated (control).
- Platelet samples were analyzed on days 1, 5, and 7 post-collection.
- Measurements included ROS formation, protein carbonylation, nitrotyrosine, lipid peroxidation, and NF-κB pathway activation.
Main Results:
- Mirasol-treated platelets showed increased ROS formation by day 5.
- Elevated protein carbonylation, indicative of oxidative damage, was observed in treated platelets.
- Activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, including increased NF-κB p65 and IκBα phosphorylation, was detected.
Conclusions:
- Mirasol treatment leads to increased ROS production in platelets.
- Platelets treated with Mirasol exhibit protein alterations consistent with oxidative damage.
- The findings highlight the oxidative stress induced by Mirasol PI technology.
