Scientists Say Silk Can Keep Blood Samples Fresh Without Refrigeration

Blood samples, which need to be fresh in order to draw out correct analysis, can now be stored without refrigeration. This is possible with the use of silk, scientists said.

According to Popular Science, the scientists combined silk fibroin with blood and let it dry. Silk Fibroin is a protein derived from the cocoons of silkworms. The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Boil down silkworm cocoons and you get a magical substance that could revolutionize the blood biz: https://t.co/cdXYpgIlY2 via @statnews

— Stephanie Simon (@StephanieSimon_) May 9, 2016

Silk Used In Vaccines And Antibody Drugs Before Blood Samples

Proteins in the blood can be destroyed by enzymes or even be deformed by ambient heat, Engadget reported. This is why there is a need for refrigeration or for immediate examination of blood samples.

Previously, Genetic Literacy Project reported that bioengineer David Kaplan has successfully used silk to make vaccines and antibody drugs that do not need refrigeration. Kaplan is from Tufts University, and he and his colleagues were the ones behind the new storage technology for blood samples.

Silk Storage For Blood Samples Could Benefit Communities

"We're still a ways away from having a viable technology that can be brought to the patient's doorstep," said Roger Peck via Engadget. Peck is a diagnostics specialist at PATH, a global health nonprofit organization. Peck said that the new blood sample storage technology "could make diagnostic tests more accessible to rural communities - and potentially more accurate."

According to Popular Science, a spot of blood dried on cardboard is used in rural areas to store blood in places where there is no electricity. This method is not that effective.

Storing blood samples by using silk was found to be more effective than using dried blood spots on cardboard. It was also noted that using silk can prevent damage brought about by thawing blood samples after refrigeration.

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