U.S. patent application number 16/210953 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-06 for fluorescent detector systems for the detection of chemical perturbations in sterile storage devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to Blood Cell Storage, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Blood Cell Storage, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lynn M. Barker, Steven J. Geelhood, Perry Hargrave, Paul C. Harris, Oliver Z. Nanassy, Michael W. Reed.
Application Number | 20190170775 16/210953 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38647068 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-06 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190170775 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reed; Michael W. ; et
al. |
June 6, 2019 |
FLUORESCENT DETECTOR SYSTEMS FOR THE DETECTION OF CHEMICAL
PERTURBATIONS IN STERILE STORAGE DEVICES
Abstract
System and method for detecting and measuring chemical
perturbations in a sample. The system and method are useful for
non-invasive pH monitoring of blood or blood products sealed in
storage bags.
Inventors: |
Reed; Michael W.; (Lake
Forest Park, WA) ; Geelhood; Steven J.; (Seattle,
WA) ; Harris; Paul C.; (Bothell, WA) ; Barker;
Lynn M.; (Arlington, WA) ; Hargrave; Perry;
(Lynnwood, WA) ; Nanassy; Oliver Z.; (Edmonds,
WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Blood Cell Storage, Inc. |
Seattle |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Blood Cell Storage, Inc.
Seattle
WA
|
Family ID: |
38647068 |
Appl. No.: |
16/210953 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14977350 |
Dec 21, 2015 |
10156578 |
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16210953 |
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13948892 |
Jul 23, 2013 |
9217170 |
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14977350 |
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11789431 |
Apr 23, 2007 |
8497134 |
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13948892 |
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11207580 |
Aug 19, 2005 |
7608460 |
|
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11789431 |
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60794193 |
Apr 21, 2006 |
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60602684 |
Aug 19, 2004 |
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60674393 |
Apr 22, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 2201/0826 20130101;
C12Q 1/04 20130101; G01N 2201/062 20130101; G01N 33/542 20130101;
G01N 21/77 20130101; G01N 2021/7786 20130101; G01N 2201/068
20130101; G01N 33/492 20130101; G01N 21/6428 20130101; G01N 33/582
20130101; G01N 33/66 20130101; G01N 2021/6484 20130101; C12Q 1/22
20130101; C12Q 1/54 20130101; G01N 2021/6434 20130101; G01N 21/80
20130101; G01N 33/84 20130101; G01N 2201/084 20130101; G01N 2400/00
20130101; G01N 2021/6421 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 33/84 20060101
G01N033/84; C12Q 1/04 20060101 C12Q001/04; G01N 21/77 20060101
G01N021/77; G01N 33/49 20060101 G01N033/49; G01N 33/542 20060101
G01N033/542; G01N 33/58 20060101 G01N033/58; G01N 21/64 20060101
G01N021/64; C12Q 1/54 20060101 C12Q001/54; G01N 21/80 20060101
G01N021/80; C12Q 1/22 20060101 C12Q001/22; G01N 33/66 20060101
G01N033/66 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: (a) a plurality of sample-containing
vessels positioned within an system, each vessel comprising a
fluorescent species in the sample, wherein the fluorescent species
has an emission that is dependent on a parameter to be measured;
and (b) a means for monitoring a parameter of one or more of the
plurality of samples-containing vessels positioned in the system,
the means comprising: (i) a light source for exciting the
fluorescent species; (ii) an emission detector for measuring
emission from the fluorescent species; and (iii) a probe for
delivering excitation light to the fluorescent species and for
delivering emission light to the detector.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a single
probe.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a separate
probe for each vessel.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the parameter is pH.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the parameter is CO.sub.2.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the parameter is oxygen.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the parameter is glucose.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluorescent species has a
first emission intensity at a first emission wavelength and a
second emission intensity at a second emission wavelength, and
wherein the first and second emission wavelengths are not the
same.
9. The system of claim 1 further comprising a housing for receiving
a probe, wherein the housing is adapted for receiving the probe at
a first end and terminating with a window at the second end, the
window being transparent to excitation and emission light, and
wherein the window physically isolates the probe from the
fluorescent species.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/977,350, filed Dec. 21, 2015, which is a continuation
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/948,892, filed Jul. 23, 2013
(now U.S. Pat. No. 9,217,170), which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/789,431, filed Apr. 23, 2007 (now
U.S. Pat. No. 8,497,134), which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent
Application No. 60/794,193, filed Apr. 21, 2006; and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/207,580, filed Aug. 19, 2005 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,460),
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/602,684, filed Aug. 19, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/674,393, filed Apr. 22, 2005, each of which is expressly
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Platelets are a component of blood comprised of anucleate
megakaryocyte fragments that circulate in the blood for about 10
days (van der Meer, Pietersz et al. 2001; Dijkstra-Tiekstra 2004).
As they age in the circulatory system platelets are known to
undergo biochemical changes that eventually leads to their
clearance in the spleen and liver. When separated as a component of
whole blood, platelets are routinely concentrated, resuspended in
plasma and/or platelet additive solutions, leukoreduced by passage
through a filtration device and stored in platelet storage bags
which are kept on flatbed agitators for 5 to 7 days at a
temperature of 22.degree. C.
[0003] The measurement of pH and other parameters during
preparation and storage of blood components are necessary in order
to provide a safe and effective product. For example the storage of
platelets at 22.degree. C. requires testing for the presence of
microbiological contamination to prevent undesired side effects
such as sepsis as a result of infusion into the patient. Under the
American Association of Blood Banks (A.A.B.B.) standard 5.1.5.1,
blood banks or transfusion services are instructed to have methods
to limit and detect bacterial contamination in all platelets. The
growth of bacteria in platelet concentrates (PCs) can be monitored
by utilizing reagent dipsticks for pH and glucose however the time
of detection following inoculation with a low dose of organisms
(e.g. 50 colony forming units/mL) varies from organism to organism,
limiting this method's sensitivity and specificity given the shelf
life of the product (Brecher, Hogan et al. 1994). Even in light of
these limitations many centers have moved to time of issue tests
utilizing the measurement of pH and glucose with a handheld device,
pH paper, or in combination on a multi-reagent dipstick as
surrogate markers for bacterial contamination (Burstain, Brecher et
al. 1997; Yazer and Triulzi 2005).
[0004] In one method of non-invasive bacterial detection, changes
in pH or the production of CO.sub.2 was detected in clinical
specimens by culturing the specimens with a sterile liquid growth
medium in a transparent sealed container (Calandra et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 5,094,955). The main disadvantage of this method is the
requirement for sampling of a clinical specimen and introduction of
the sample into a separate culture vessel at one point in time. The
sampling is disadvantageous because the contaminating organisms may
not be included in the sample volume, resulting in a false negative
test. A similar method employed a sensor to detect microbial
organisms growing in a liquid environment with the microbial
colonies immediately available for further testing by virtue of the
design of the culture vessel (Jeffrey et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,976,827). This general method by which culture-based bacterial
detection systems function is currently used for detection of
microorganisms in PCs (Brecher, Means et al. 2001; McDonald, Pearce
et al. 2005). A device for measuring the pH of PCs non-invasively
by a fluorescence-based interrogation of the bag contents has been
described in the WO 2006/023725 (PCT/US2005/029559), expressly
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0005] Additional important reasons to measure pH in the quality
control of PCs include its correlation with in vivo viability
following transfusion into patients (Moroff, Friedman et al. 1982;
Solberg, Holme et al. 1986; Holme 1998; Rinder, Snyder et al.
2003). pH Values below 6.2 in PCs have been correlated with poor in
vivo recovery in transfusion studies (Murphy and Gardner 1971;
Slichter and Harker 1976; Murphy 1985), while loss of recovery in
vivo at pH values above 7.2 has been shown (Murphy and Gardner
1975). The platelet yield in PCs is also an important quality
control parameter because it establishes the therapeutic dosage of
the product and may influence the levels of metabolic activity
measured within the storage bags. There have been several studies
showing maintenance of pH values indicative of good platelet
function up to 7 or 8 days in PCs stored in mixtures of additive
solutions and plasma (Klinger 1996), provided that the platelet
content was <4.times.10.sup.11(de Wildt-Eggen, Schrijver et al.
1998). These latter studies showed that a more rapid decline in pH
in a PC may correlate with higher platelet concentrations. A
similar correlation of a more rapid decline in pH over the five day
storage period was inferred in apheresis derived PCs obtained from
machines that consistently produce product with higher platelet
counts (Tudisco, Jett et al. 2005).
[0006] The storage of platelets in BTHC (n-butyryl, tri-n-hexyl
citrate) PVC containers presents a number of advantages with
respect to platelet health. These containers have several desirable
characteristics for this medical application including low toxicity
and permeability to water, O.sub.2, and CO.sub.2 in the desired
ranges. The BTHC plasticized PVC material also has high
permeability for CO.sub.2, excess of which in some cases leads to
difficulties storing PCs which have high platelet counts. Depending
on storage conditions the pH of PCs can change rapidly due to
off-gassing of dissolved CO.sub.2. The Council of Europe guidelines
for platelet storage conditions require the pH to be in the range
of 6.4-7.4 at 37.degree. C. (6.6-7.6 at 22.degree. C.).
[0007] Optical sensors (optrodes) for measuring pH are well known.
Certain aromatic organic compounds (like phenolphthalein) change
color with pH and can be immobilized on solid supports to form "pH
paper." These visual indicators are easy to use, but do not provide
a quantitative reading. The color changes can be difficult to
distinguish accurately, and can be masked by colored analyte.
Fluorescent indicators have also been used as optical sensors. pH
Sensitive fluorescent dyes can be immobilized on solid supports and
generally are more sensitive in comparison to the simple
colorimetric (absorbance or reflectance based) indicators. The
improved sensitivity of fluorescent indicators allows the solid
support to be miniaturized, and this has been used to advantage in
development of fiber optic sensor devices for measuring pH,
CO.sub.2, and O.sub.2 parameters in blood.
[0008] A specific need in the medical industry exists for accurate
pH measurement of blood and blood products. The pH of blood or
other bodily fluids (pleural effusions) can be associated with
certain physiologic responses associated with pathology. Blood gas
analyzers are common critical care instruments. Depending on
storage conditions, the pH of separated blood components (plasma,
platelets) can change rapidly due to off-gassing of dissolved
CO.sub.2 from the enriched venous blood that is collected from a
donor. Platelets in particular are metabolically active, and
generate lactic acid during storage at 20.degree. C. to 22.degree.
C. European quality guidelines for platelets prepared by the
"buffycoat method" require pH of stored platelets to be pH 6.8-7.4
at 37.degree. C. (7.0-7.6 at 22.degree. C.).
[0009] Seminaphthofluorescein (SNAFL) compounds and the related
seminaphthorhodafluor (SNARF) compounds are commercially available
ratiometric fluors (Molecular Probes, Inc., Eugene, Oreg.; see, for
example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,171) and their synthesis and spectral
properties have been described. These compounds have advantages
including long wavelength absorbance that can be efficiently
excited with LED light sources. Relevant acid/base equilibria and
associated spectral properties are shown below.
##STR00001##
[0010] Deprotonation of the naphthol structure of SNAFL dyes gives
a naphtholate molecule with longer wavelength fluorescence
emission. The pKa is the pH value where the two molecular species
form in equal amounts. SNAFL compounds with reactive linker groups
that allow their conjugation to other molecules of interest are
also commercially available.
[0011] Various methods have been used to immobilize "ratiometric"
dyes to solid supports for use in fiber optic pH detectors.
Carboxynaphthofluorescein (CNF) has been conjugated to
aminoethyl-cellulose and this material was glued to polyester
(Mylar) films to make sensing membranes for optrodes. The pKa of
this material was determined to be 7.41, slightly lower than the
free CNF (pKa 7.62). The use of tetraethoxysilane to trap CNF in a
sol-gel glass that was formed on glass cover slips has also been
reported. The pKa of this material was determined to be 7.46. A
9-chloro substituted SNAFL analog (SNAFL-2) has been reacted with
polyvinylamine and the residual amino groups crosslinked with a
photocrosslinker to form a gel-like coating on acrylic fibers. The
pKa of this fiber-optic sensor was determined to be 7.14,
significantly lower than the published pKa of the free SNAFL
compound (pKa .about.7.7). This shows that molecular environment
and linker structure surrounding the immobilized dye can alter the
performance of a pH detector.
[0012] Despite the advances made in the detection of pH noted
above, there exists a need for improved methods and devices for
monitoring the chemical environment in a sealed sterile container,
such as a platelet storage device, continually or at discrete time
intervals, in order to better understand the types and levels of
metabolic activities within the storage device, as well as their
origin. The present invention seeks to fulfill this need and
provides further related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention provides a system and method for
detecting and measuring chemical perturbations in a sample.
[0014] In one aspect, the invention provides a fluorescence method
for monitoring a parameter in a sample. In one embodiment, the
method includes:
[0015] (a) irradiating a fluorescent species having an emission
that is dependent on a parameter with excitation light emanating
from a probe physically isolated from the fluorescent species to
provide a fluorescent emission, wherein the fluorescent species is
in liquid communication with a sample contained in a vessel;
[0016] (b) measuring the emission to determine a first parameter
reading of the sample; and
[0017] (c) repeating step (a) after a pre-determined time and
measuring the emission to determine a second parameter reading of
the sample.
[0018] In one embodiment, step (c) is repeated to provide multiple
parameter readings over time to monitor the parameter of the
sample. In one embodiment, the parameter is pH. In another
embodiment, the parameter is CO.sub.2.
[0019] In one embodiment, the method further includes writing
parameter data to the vessel containing the sample, the vessel
having a means for receiving the parameter data that further allows
the data to be read from the vessel at a later time.
[0020] In another aspect of the invention, a system for monitoring
a parameter is provided. In one embodiment, the system
includes:
[0021] (a) a light source for exciting a fluorescent species having
an emission that is dependent on the parameter, wherein the
fluorescent species is in liquid communication with a sample
contained in a vessel;
[0022] (b) an emission detector for measuring emission from the
fluorescent species and creating emission data;
[0023] (c) an excitation lightguide for transmitting excitation
light from the light source to the fluorescent species, wherein the
lightguide comprises a first terminus proximate to the light source
and a second terminus distal to the light source;
[0024] (d) an emission lightguide for transmitting emission from
the fluorescent species to the emission detector, wherein the
lightguide comprises a first terminus proximate to the detector and
a second terminus distal to the detector;
[0025] (e) a probe housing the distal termini of the excitation
lightguide and the emission light guide;
[0026] (f) a housing for receiving the probe, wherein the housing
is adapted for receiving the probe at a first end and terminating
with a window at the second end, the window being transparent to
the excitation and the emission light, and wherein the window
physically isolates the probe from the fluorescent species;
[0027] (g) a memory device for storing emission data; and
[0028] (h) a processor device for converting the emission data to
profile of the parameter over time.
[0029] In one embodiment, the system further includes a means for
writing parameter data to the vessel containing the sample, the
vessel having a means for receiving the parameter data that further
allows the data to be read from the vessel at a later time.
[0030] In another aspect, the present invention provides a
fluorescence method for monitoring the pH of a sample. In one
embodiment, the method includes:
[0031] (a) irradiating a fluorescent species in liquid
communication with a sample contained in a vessel with excitation
light emanating from a probe physically isolated from the
fluorescent species, wherein the excitation light has a wavelength
sufficient to effect fluorescent emission from the fluorescent
species, wherein the fluorescent species exhibits a first emission
intensity at a first emission wavelength and a second emission
intensity at a second emission wavelength, the ratio of the first
and second emission intensities being dependent on pH;
[0032] (b) measuring the first and second emission intensities to
determine the pH of the sample; and
[0033] (c) repeating step (a) after a pre-determined time and
measuring the first and second emission intensities to determine
the second pH of the sample.
[0034] In one embodiment, step (c) is repeated to provide multiple
pH determinations to monitor the pH of the sample over time.
[0035] In one embodiment, the method further includes writing pH
data to the vessel containing the sample. The vessel having a means
for receiving the pH data that further allows the data to be read
from the vessel at a later time.
[0036] In another aspect of the invention, a system for monitoring
pH is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes:
[0037] (a) a light source for exciting a fluorescent species,
wherein the fluorescent species has a first emission intensity at a
first emission wavelength and a second emission intensity at a
second emission wavelength;
[0038] (b) a first emission detector for measuring the first
emission intensity;
[0039] (c) a second emission detector for measuring the second
emission intensity;
[0040] (d) an excitation lightguide for transmitting excitation
light from the light source to the fluorescent species, wherein the
lightguide comprises a first terminus proximate to the light source
and a second terminus distal to the light source;
[0041] (e) a first emission lightguide for transmitting emission
from the fluorescent species to the first emission detector,
wherein the lightguide comprises a first terminus proximate to the
detector and a second terminus distal to the detector;
[0042] (f) a second emission lightguide for transmitting emission
from the fluorescent species to the second emission detector,
wherein the lightguide comprises a first terminus proximate to the
detector and a second terminus distal to the detector;
[0043] (g) a probe housing the distal termini of the excitation
lightguide, first emission lightguide, and second emission light
guide; and
[0044] (h) a housing for receiving the probe, wherein the housing
is adapted for receiving the probe at a first end and terminating
with a window at the second end, the window being transparent to
the excitation and the emission light, and wherein the window
physically isolates the probe from the fluorescent species.
[0045] In one embodiment, the system further includes a means for
writing pH data to the vessel containing the sample, the vessel
having a means for receiving the pH data that further allows the
data to be read from the vessel at a later time.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same
become better understood by reference to the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates a representative large platelet storage
bag incorporating a pH reading insert useful in the method and
system of the invention;
[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates a representative small platelet storage
bag incorporating a pH reading insert useful in the method and
system of the invention;
[0049] FIGS. 3A-3D are graphs comparing pH profiles from different
pH measurement systems for PC samples stored in representative
platelet storage bags;
[0050] FIGS. 4A is a graph comparing Kunicki Scores for platelets
stored in representative and control platelet storage bags over a
period of time;
[0051] FIG. 4B is a graph comparing Swirling Scores for platelets
stored in representative and control platelet storage bags over a
period of time;
[0052] FIGS. 5A is a graph comparing pH profiles of platelets
stored in representative and control platelet storage bags; FIG. 5B
is a graph comparing glucose and lactate concentration profiles of
platelets stored in representative and control platelet storage
bags;
[0053] FIGS. 6A is a graph comparing ATP:ADP ratio profiles for
platelets stored in representative and control platelet storage
bags;
[0054] FIG. 6B is a graph comparing mitochondrial potential
profiles for platelets stored in representative and control
platelet storage bags;
[0055] FIG. 7 is a graph comparing the level of platelet activation
measured by CD62P and Annexin V percentages for platelets stored in
representative and control platelet storage bags;
[0056] FIG. 8 is a graph comparing pH profiles for under-filled and
normal-filled representative platelet storage bags;
[0057] FIGS. 9A-9D are graphs illustrating pH profiles for platelet
samples contaminated with different types of bacteria;
[0058] FIGS. 10A-10D are graphs illustrating the pH, glucose,
pO.sub.2, and pCO.sub.2 profiles, respectively, of platelet samples
contaminated with bacteria.
[0059] FIG. 11 illustrates a representative multi-probe platelet
storage bag useful in the method and system of the invention;
[0060] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of an automated single
reader;
[0061] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a multi-fiber
reader;
[0062] FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of an incubator;
[0063] FIG. 15 is a graph relating fluorescent intensity ratio to
pH of PCs;
[0064] FIG. 16 is a graph relating fluorescence intensity ratios to
blood gas pH of PCs;
[0065] FIG. 17 is a graph comparing pH profiles of various types of
platelet samples.
[0066] FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of a representative
system of the invention for measuring pH;
[0067] FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of an optical platform
useful in the system of the invention for measuring pH;
[0068] FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of a representative
housing for excitation and emission light guides useful in the
system of the invention;
[0069] FIG. 21 illustrates the relationship between the
excitation/emission optical fiber housing and the sealed vessel
port;
[0070] FIG. 22 is a representative port assembly useful in the
manufacture of a sealed vessel;
[0071] FIGS. 23A-23E illustrate the structures of representative
seminaphthofluorescein compounds useful in the method and system of
the invention;
[0072] FIG. 24 illustrates the emission spectra as a function of pH
of a representative fluorescent species (SNAFL-1) useful in the
method and system of the invention;
[0073] FIG. 25 illustrates the emission spectra as a function of pH
of a representative fluorescent species (EBIO-3) useful in the
method and system of the invention;
[0074] FIG. 26 is a schematic illustration of the preparation of a
representative fluorophore-protein (EBIO-3/HSA) conjugate useful in
the method and system of the invention;
[0075] FIG. 27 illustrates the emission spectra as a function of pH
of a representative fluorophore-protein conjugate (SNAFL-1/HSA)
useful in the method and system of the invention;
[0076] FIG. 28 illustrates the emission spectra as a function of pH
of a representative fluorophore-protein conjugate (EBIO-3/HSA)
useful in the method and system of the invention;
[0077] FIG. 29 illustrates the emission spectra of a representative
substrate-immobilized fluorophore-protein conjugate (SNAFL-1/HSA)
as a function of pH (Oxyphen);
[0078] FIG. 30 illustrates the emission spectra of a representative
substrate-immobilized fluorophore-protein conjugate (SNAFL-1/HSA)
as a function of pH (nitrocellulose);
[0079] FIG. 31 illustrates the emission spectra of a representative
substrate-immobilized fluorophore-protein conjugate (EBIO-3/HSA) as
a function of pH (nitrocellulose);
[0080] FIG. 32 illustrates the data used in the method of the
invention for measuring pH;
[0081] FIG. 33 illustrates the results of the method of the
invention for platelet rich plasma;
[0082] FIG. 34 illustrates the correlation of pH results for
platelet rich plasma obtained by the method and system of the
invention;
[0083] FIG. 35 illustrates stability of a representative
substrate-immobilized fluorophore conjugate of the invention;
[0084] FIG. 36 illustrates a representative device of the invention
for measuring carbon dioxide in a sealed vessel;
[0085] FIG. 37 illustrates the effect of probe position on
fluorescent intensity in measuring pH in accordance with the
invention; and
[0086] FIG. 38 illustrates the effect of membrane pore size on
fluorescent intensity in measuring pH in accordance with the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0087] The present invention provides a system and method for
detecting and measuring chemical perturbations in a sample.
Perturbations in a sample are detected and measured by monitoring
the sample for changes in a parameter measurable by the system and
method. Parameters measurable by the system and method include pH
and carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) level. The system and method of the
invention are useful for measuring perturbations in a blood sample
or a blood product sample contained in a sealed vessel.
[0088] In one aspect, the invention provides a fluorescence method
for monitoring a parameter in a sample. In one embodiment, the
method includes the steps of:
[0089] (a) irradiating a fluorescent species having an emission
that is dependent on a parameter with excitation light emanating
from a probe physically isolated from the fluorescent species to
provide a fluorescent emission, wherein the fluorescent species is
in liquid communication with a sample contained in a vessel;
[0090] (b) measuring the emission to determine a first parameter
reading of the sample; and
[0091] (c) repeating step (a) after a pre-determined time and
measuring the emission intensity to determine a second parameter
reading of the sample.
[0092] In one embodiment, step (c) is repeated to provide multiple
parameter readings over time to monitor the parameter of the
sample. In one embodiment, the parameter is pH. In another
embodiment, the parameter is CO.sub.2.
[0093] In one embodiment, the method further includes writing
parameter data to the vessel containing the sample, the vessel
having a means for receiving the parameter data that further allows
the data to be read from the vessel at a later time.
[0094] In another aspect of the invention, a system for monitoring
a parameter is provided. In one embodiment, the system
includes:
[0095] (a) a light source for exciting a fluorescent species having
an emission that is dependent on the parameter, wherein the
fluorescent species is in liquid communication with a sample
contained in a vessel;
[0096] (b) an emission detector for measuring emission from the
fluorescent species and creating emission data;
[0097] (c) an excitation lightguide for transmitting excitation
light from the light source to the fluorescent species, wherein the
lightguide comprises a first terminus proximate to the light source
and a second terminus distal to the light source;
[0098] (d) an emission lightguide for transmitting emission from
the fluorescent species to the emission detector, wherein the
lightguide comprises a first terminus proximate to the detector and
a second terminus distal to the detector;
[0099] (e) a probe housing the distal termini of the excitation
lightguide and the emission light guide;
[0100] (f) a housing for receiving the probe, wherein the housing
is adapted for receiving the probe at a first end and terminating
with a window at the second end, the window being transparent to
the excitation and the emission light, and wherein the window
physically isolates the probe from the fluorescent species;
[0101] (g) a memory device for storing emission data; and
[0102] (h) a processor device for converting the emission data to
profile of the parameter over time.
[0103] In one embodiment, the system further includes a means for
writing parameter data to the vessel containing the sample, the
vessel having a means for receiving the parameter data that further
allows the data to be read from the vessel at a later time.
[0104] In another aspect, the present invention provides a
fluorescence method for monitoring the pH of a sample. In one
embodiment, the method includes the steps of:
[0105] (a) irradiating a fluorescent species in liquid
communication with a sample contained in a vessel with excitation
light emanating from a probe physically isolated from the
fluorescent species, wherein the excitation light has a wavelength
sufficient to effect fluorescent emission from the fluorescent
species, wherein the fluorescent species exhibits a first emission
intensity at a first emission wavelength and a second emission
intensity at a second emission wavelength, the ratio of the first
and second emission intensities being dependent on pH;
[0106] (b) measuring the first and second emission intensities to
determine the pH of the sample; and
[0107] (c) repeating step (a) after a pre-determined time and
measuring the first and second emission intensities to determine
the second pH of the sample.
[0108] In one embodiment, step (c) is repeated to provide multiple
pH determinations to monitor the pH of the sample over time.
[0109] In one embodiment, the method further includes writing pH
data to the vessel containing the sample, the vessel having a means
for receiving the parameter data that further allows the data to be
read from the vessel at a later time.
[0110] In the above methods, the parameter profile or pH profile is
made by multiple parameter or pH measurements. The multiple
measurements are made over time and establish the profile. When the
interval of time between measurements is sufficiently small, the
profile reveals perturbations, if any, in the sample over the time
period of the profile. In the methods of the invention, the
interval of time between measurements is pre-determined. The
pre-determined times are set to reveal perturbations in the
sample.
[0111] In one embodiment, the pre-determined time is a variable
time period from 1 minute to 1 day. In one embodiment, the
pre-determined time is from between 1 hour to 12 hours.
[0112] In the methods, the multiple parameter or pH determinations
over time provide a parameter or pH profile of a sample. The
parameter or pH profile of the sample can be used to determine a
quality of the sample.
[0113] In the above methods, the probe is physically isolated from
the fluorescent species. As used herein, the term "physically
isolated" refers to the physical isolation of the probe from the
sample being interrogated. The probe providing excitation light and
receiving emission light does contact the sample being
interrogated. In the methods, the sample is in contact (i.e.,
liquid communication) with the fluorescent species (e.g.,
substrate-immobilized fluorescent species). The probe is isolated
from and does not come not physical contact with the sample. The
isolation of the probe from the sample is illustrated in FIG. 21.
The probe is isolated from the fluorescent species by a window
transparent to the excitation light and the fluorescent
emission.
[0114] In another aspect of the invention, a system for monitoring
pH is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes:
[0115] (a) a light source for exciting a fluorescent species,
wherein the fluorescent species has a first emission intensity at a
first emission wavelength and a second emission intensity at a
second emission wavelength;
[0116] (b) a first emission detector for measuring the first
emission intensity;
[0117] (c) a second emission detector for measuring the second
emission intensity;
[0118] (d) an excitation lightguide for transmitting excitation
light from the light source to the fluorescent species, wherein the
lightguide comprises a first terminus proximate to the light source
and a second terminus distal to the light source;
[0119] (e) a first emission lightguide for transmitting emission
from the fluorescent species to the first emission detector,
wherein the lightguide comprises a first terminus proximate to the
detector and a second terminus distal to the detector;
[0120] (f) a second emission lightguide for transmitting emission
from the fluorescent species to the second emission detector,
wherein the lightguide comprises a first terminus proximate to the
detector and a second terminus distal to the detector;
[0121] (g) a probe housing the distal termini of the excitation
lightguide, first emission lightguide, and second emission light
guide; and
[0122] (h) a housing for receiving the probe, wherein the housing
is adapted for receiving the probe at a first end and terminating
with a window at the second end, the window being transparent to
the excitation and the emission light, and wherein the window
physically isolates the probe from the fluorescent species.
[0123] In one embodiment, the system further includes a means for
writing pH data to the vessel containing the sample, the vessel
having a means for receiving the pH data that further allows the
data to be read from the vessel at a later time.
[0124] In one embodiment, the first and second detectors are the
same. In one embodiment, the first and second detectors are
different. In one embodiment, the first and second detectors are
photodiodes.
[0125] In one embodiment, the first emission lightguide and the
second emission lightguide are the same. In one embodiment, the
first emission lightguide and the second emission lightguide are
different. In one embodiment, the excitation lightguide, the first
emission lightguide, and the second emission lightguide are optical
fibers.
[0126] There are five basic optical chemical sensing techniques:
measuring absorbance, fluorescence intensity, ratiometric
fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime, and fluorescence polarization.
Sample parameters, such as pH, can be measured using any of the
five techniques. The systems and methods of the invention utilize
fluorescence sensing and can be used to monitor sample parameters
that produce changes in fluorescence intensity, ratiometric
fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime, and fluorescence polarization
characteristics of a fluorescent species in liquid contact with the
sample to be monitored.
[0127] In one embodiment, the method is a fluorescent wavelength
ratiometric method. As used herein, the term "fluorescent
wavelength-ratiometric" refers to a method by which the first and
second fluorescent emission intensities of a fluorescent species
are measured at first and second emission wavelengths,
respectively, and are ratioed to provide pH information. In this
embodiment, the fluorescent species has emission intensities that
vary as a function of pH.
[0128] In one embodiment of the method, the fluorescent species is
a ratiometric fluorescent species. In one embodiment, the
fluorescent species is selected from a naphthofluorescein compound
and a seminaphthorhodamine compound. In one embodiment, the
naphthofluorescein compound is selected from a
seminaphthofluorescein compound and a carboxynaphthofluorescein
compound. In one embodiment, the seminaphthofluorescein compound is
selected from 5'(and
6')-carboxy-3,10-dihydroxy-spiro[7H-benzo[c]xanthene-7,1'(3'H)-isobenzofu-
ran]-3'-one (also referred to herein as "SNAFL-1", see FIG. 23A)
and
2-(2-chloro-3-hydroxy-9-carboxyethyl-10-oxo-10H-benzo[c]xanthen-7-yl)benz-
oic acid (also referred to herein as "EBIO-3", see FIG. 23E).
[0129] In one embodiment, the fluorescent species is immobilized on
a substrate and comprises a conjugate of a fluorescent species and
a macromolecule. In one embodiment, the macromolecule is an
albumin. In one embodiment, the macromolecule is a serum albumin.
In one embodiment, the macromolecule is a human serum albumin. In
one embodiment, the macromolecule is a recombinant human serum
albumin. In one embodiment, the fluorescent species immobilized on
a substrate comprises a naphthofluorescein/serum albumin conjugate.
In one embodiment, the fluorescent species immobilized on a
substrate comprises a seminaphthofluorescein/human serum albumin
conjugate.
[0130] As noted above, the method is suitable for measuring the pH
of blood or blood products contained in a sealed vessel. In one
embodiment, the fluorescent species (e.g., substrate-immobilized
fluorescent species) is introduced into a sealed vessel during the
vessel's manufacture and before the sample is introduced to the
vessel. In one embodiment, the fluorescent species is introduced
into a sealed vessel by a means that preserves the vessel's
seal.
[0131] The present invention provides a method and system for
monitoring a parameter of a sample. The method and system are
useful in monitoring the pH or CO.sub.2 of blood or blood products.
The method and system are suited to monitor the pH of a sample
contained in a sealed vessel.
[0132] The presence of microorganisms growing in PCs causes dynamic
changes in various parameters in the mixture, such as pH, CO.sub.2,
O.sub.2, and glucose concentrations. These parameters can be
analyzed as surrogate markers for the presence of microbiological
contamination. A non-invasive "in-the-bag" sensor, used to measure
chemical parameters such as pH, CO.sub.2 levels, O.sub.2 levels, or
glucose concentrations provides greater sensitivity for detecting
perturbations in the bag environment caused by the growth of
microorganisms due to the elimination of sampling artifacts and the
ability to carry out multiple measurements over time within a
closed system. The systems and methods of the invention can detect
subtle changes in pH or CO.sub.2 within the closed system or the
bag environment, and can be monitored continuously or periodically
over time without direct sampling.
[0133] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of
monitoring pH of a sealed sterile platelet storage device over time
and analyzing the changes to predict the quality of the platelet
rich plasma and/or platelet rich plasma additive solution
formulations. The non-invasive methods described herein enable this
"real-time" analysis of platelet quality. Previously, samples had
to be physically withdrawn from the platelet storage bag and
analyzed on a blood gas analyzer or a separate instrument. After
puncturing the bag, the PC must be used within 4 hours due to risk
of contamination. Preserving the unit required laborious sampling
of bag contents via a long plastic tube attached to the bag
(pigtail) using a sterile sealer device to remove portions
thereof.
[0134] The data were presented herein was obtained using a small
platelet storage bag with a 14 mL storage volume having a built-in
pH reading insert. A larger storage bag for a transfusible unit is
designed to hold 300 mL of pooled platelet concentrate. This larger
bag could be used for platelets recovered from a single donor by
apheresis or for storage of a pre-storage pooled platelet
concentrate unit.
[0135] Large and small platelet storage bags with built-in inserts
are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. Referring to FIG. 1,
large storage bag 500 includes a plurality of vessel ports 510 and
port asseorts 232. Port assembly 232 is further described in FIG.
22. Storage bag 500 also includes label 1300, into which a memory
device can be integrated (not shown). By integrating a memory
device into label 1300, parameter readings can be written to and
stored on storage bag 500 that contains the sample.
[0136] Referring to FIG. 2, small storage bag 500 includes a
plurality of vessel ports 510 and port assembly 232. Port assembly
232 is further described in FIG. 22. Storage bag 500 also includes
label 1300, into which a memory device can be integrated (not
shown). By integrating a memory device into label 1300, parameter
readings can be written to and stored on storage bag 500 that
contains the sample. The pH reading accuracy of the non-invasive
platelet bag inserts and measuring system described herein have
been tested. FIGS. 3A-3D are graphs showing pH profiles of four
individual PC samples. The PCs were stored in representative large
sterile storage bags containing 300 mL of pooled platelet
concentrates per bag. These platelets were leukoreduced prior to
storage in the bags, and the four bags tested all showed good
platelet health parameters over the 11 days of storage. The bags
were spiked in an aseptic manner with sample site adaptors (Codan)
via the twist off ports incorporated on the bags to allow samples
to be withdrawn for analysis on a blood gas analyzer.
[0137] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, two pH profiles are shown for each
sample. The pH profiles for each sample were generated from two pH
measurement systems, namely, a non-invasive fluorescent pH reading
and an invasive blood gas pH reading. In each figure, the pH
profile generated from fluorescent pH readings is designated "BCSI
pH" and shown as a solid line. The pH profile generated from blood
gas pH readings is designated "Blood Gas pH" and shown as a dashed
line. The data show similar pH profiles for these "normal" platelet
concentrates over 11 days of storage. This demonstrates that the
bags with inserts can be ethylene oxide sterilized without
compromising pH reading performance. This also demonstrates that
the accuracy of the two pH measurement systems (non-invasive
fluorescent reading vs. invasive blood gas reading) was consistent.
The mean difference from average pH determined by both methods was
0.045 (n=32, SD 0.058). This is the first demonstration of a system
for measuring the metabolic activity in the contents of a platelet
storage bag in a non-invasive manner over time.
[0138] To determine the suitability of the representative
manufactured bags for storage of platelet concentrates, the four
sterile representative bags described above were compared with
similar sized control sterile platelet storage bags from Fresenius
(The Netherlands). Two 300 mL pooled platelet rich plasma units
were leukoreduced, combined and distributed to the paired storage
bags. The bags were spiked in an aseptic manner with sample site
adaptors (Codan) via the twist off ports incorporated on the bags
to allow samples to be withdrawn for analysis on a blood gas
analyzer. The results, shown in FIGS. 4-7, demonstrate virtually
identical platelet storage parameters for the paired representative
("BCSI") and control ("Fresenius") bags.
[0139] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, platelet shape parameters for
PCs stored in representative and control platelet storage bags were
evaluated. FIG. 4A is a graph comparing Kunicki Scores of PCs
stored in representative and control platelet storage bags for 9
days. The Kunicki Scores in FIG. 4A range in value from 0 to 400. A
Kunicki Score of 0 indicates balloon-shaped, or dead platelets; 100
indicates dendrites, or an activated platelets; 200 indicates
spheres, or spherical platelets; and 400 indicates discoid
platelets. The results show virtually identical storage parameters
for the paired representative and control bags.
[0140] FIG. 4B is a graph comparing Swirling Scores for platelets
stored in representative and control platelet storage bags for 9
days. The Swirling Scores in FIG. 4B range in value from 0 to 3. A
Swirling Score of 0 indicates dead platelets; a score of 2 is the
standard value for platelets at 6 days of storage; and a score of 3
indicates very good platelets. The results show virtually identical
storage parameters for the paired representative and control
bags.
[0141] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the pH, glucose, and lactate
profiles for PCs stored in representative and control platelet
storage bags were determined. FIG. 5A is a graph comparing pH
profiles of platelets stored in representative and control platelet
storage bags for 9 days. The results show virtually identical
storage parameters for the paired representative and control
bags.
[0142] FIG. 5B is a graph comparing glucose and lactate
concentration profiles of platelets stored in representative and
control platelet storage bags for 9 days. The glucose
concentrations are depicted with diamond-shaped points and range
from approximately 20 mM at storage day 1 to approximately 10 mM at
day 9. The lactate concentrations are depicted with triangle-shaped
points and range from approximately 6 mM at storage day 1 to
approximately 17 mM at day 9. The results show virtually identical
storage parameters for the paired representative and control
bags.
[0143] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the metabolic function of
platelets stored in representative and control bags was determined.
FIG. 6A is a graph comparing ATP:ADP ratio profiles for platelets
stored in representative and control platelet storage bags for 9
days. The ATP:ADP ratio is measured on a scale of 1 to 10. An
ATP:ADP ratio of 1 indicates a resting sample, and a ratio of 10
indicates a metabolically active sample. The results show a typical
ATP:ADP response for the paired representative and control
bags.
[0144] FIG. 6B is a graph comparing mitochondrial potential
profiles for platelets stored in representative and control
platelet storage bags for 9 days. The mitochondrial potential is
measured on a scale of 0 to 4. A mitochondrial potential reading of
0 indicates damaged platelets, and a mitochondrial potential
reading of 3 indicates good platelets. The results show good
mitochondrial potential throughout the test period for the paired
representative and control bags.
[0145] Referring to FIG. 7, platelet activation levels were
measured for PCs in representative and control platelet storage
bags for 9 days. FIG. 7 is a graph comparing the level of platelet
activation measured by CD62P and Annexin V percentages. The CD62P
percentages are depicted with the diamond-shaped points and range
from approximately 5% at storage day 2 to approximately 17% at day
9. The Annexin V percentages are depicted with triangle-shaped
points and range from approximately 5% at storage day 4 to
approximately 16% at day 9. The results are consistent with
moderate platelet activation in paired representative and control
bags.
[0146] To further demonstrate the utility of the invention, pH over
time for platelets stored in representative small platelet storage
bags was examined. Referring to FIG. 8, pH profiles were generated
using the method and system of the invention for normal and
under-filled small platelet storage bags. The normal bags contained
14 mL of apheresis platelets. The under-filled bags contained 7 mL
of apheresis platelets from the same unit as the normal bags. The
best storage conditions used 14 mL of PC per bag, and reproducible
curves were obtained for these "normal" storage conditions. As
shown in FIG. 8, if the bags are under-filled (7 mL of PC per bag),
then the pH profile changes such that the pH drops more rapidly.
This is the first demonstration that the non-invasive system for
measuring the metabolic activity in the contents of a platelet
storage bag over time can be used to find "abnormal" units. Other
storage parameters such as abnormal leukocyte count or abnormal
platelet concentration or novel parameters that influence platelet
storage may also be detected using the non-invasive method of the
invention. It is recognized that platelets recovered from some
donors rapidly lose function and it is likely that these units can
be discovered using a non-invasive system.
[0147] Bacterial contamination of platelets is a common problem,
and the most life threatening of all blood transfusion events.
Results of non-invasive pH measurements of small platelet bags
inoculated with four common bacterial contaminants are shown in
FIGS. 9A-9D. The bags were inoculated at 26 hours and detected at
the inflection time point shown in each graph. All bags were
incubated at 22.degree. C. FIG. 9A represents a PC sample
inoculated with 10 CFU/mL (Colony Forming Units/mL) of E. coli. The
sample at 72 hours contained 3.7E4 CFU/mL bacteria. FIG. 9B
represents a PC sample inoculated with 10 CFU/mL of K. oxytoca. The
sample at 48 hours contained 3.3E5 CFU/mL of bacteria. FIG. 9C
represents a PC sample inoculated with 90 CFU/mL S. marcescens. The
sample at 48 hours contained 3.6E3 CFU/mL of bacteria. FIG. 9D
represents a PC sample inoculated with 240 CFU/mL S. aureus. The
sample at 60 hours contained 6.2E7 CFU/mL of bacteria.
[0148] Referring to FIGS. 9A-9D, pH was measured using a Bayer
blood gas analyzer and a representative system and method of the
present invention. All organisms tested in this cohort show a
dramatic decrease in pH with ongoing bacterial growth. Concomitant
invasive sampling with the blood gas analyzer confirmed the
accuracy of the non-invasive pH measurement system. The "detection
point" shown in
[0149] FIGS. 9A-9D can be correlated with bacterial count upon
examination of the rate of change in pH per unit of time over the
course of the bag tracking pH measurements. The "detection point"
can also be correlated with other chemical parameters or numerical
ratios thereof as measured using various methods in these
experiments. More frequent sampling would likely detect the
bacteria at lower CFU.
[0150] The value of measuring other analytes associated with
metabolizing platelets in storage bags is shown in FIGS. 10A-10D.
Small storage bags were inoculated with 10 CFU/mL of K. pneumoniae.
Partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide were measured on a
blood gas analyzer at various timepoints. Glucose concentrations
were measured using a commercial dipstick method at the same
timepoints. The pH measurements in FIG. 10A show paired blood gas
and pH readings for a single inoculated bag. The O.sub.2, CO.sub.2,
and glucose graphs in FIGS. 10C, 10D, and 10B, respectively,
compare inoculated and "normal" platelet concentrates. Bacterial
contamination of the platelet concentrates can also be correlated
with these other chemical parameters, or numerical ratios thereof,
as measured using various methods in these experiments as shown in
FIGS. 10A-10D.
[0151] FIG. 11 illustrates a representative multi-probe platelet
storage bag with two inserts, one for measuring pH and the other
for measuring CO.sub.2. Referring to FIG. 11, storage bag 500
includes a plurality of vessel ports 510, port assembly 232, and
port assembly 232. Storage bag 500 includes label 1300, into which
a memory device can be integrated (not shown). By integrating a
memory device into label 1300, parameter readings can be written to
and stored on storage bag 500 that contains the sample.
[0152] Thus, in one embodiment, the invention provides a method of
monitoring (e.g., measuring and recording) at least two chemical
parameters in a sealed sterile platelet storage device. In the
method, the parameters monitored indicate platelet healthiness
(e.g., low pH) or microbial contamination (e.g., CO.sub.2
spike).
[0153] Storage of the platelet units at 22.degree. C. in a shaking
incubator is standard in all blood banks worldwide. Although
fluorescence readers can be used to rapidly measure pH, it still
requires individual handling of every bag at each time point. To
alleviate this problem, in one embodiment, the invention provides
an incubator that facilitates automated reading.
[0154] In one embodiment, a single reader incubator with a flexible
probe is provided. The probe is mechanically moved to different
positions on the back of the incubator using an x,y,z robot.
Referring to FIG. 12, an optical platform 180 is located proximate
to a shelving unit that is configured to receive platelet storage
bags 500. The optical platform 180 is more fully described below
(see FIG. 19). Platelet storage bags 500 are placed on shelves 5100
by a user. A plurality of apertures 5200 are disposed towards the
distal end of each shelf. Clamps 5300 are located at each aperture
5200. Each bag 500 may be secured through an aperture 5200 using
clamp 5300. A probe 185 is connected by optical fibers (light
guides) to optical platform 180. Probe 185 is enabled to maneuver
within an x,y,z grid. The z dimension involves reversible insertion
of the probe 185 into the clamped insert for each bag 500 at a
specified x,y position. Any number of bags may be placed in the
incubator provided there are sufficient apertures 5200 to receive
them.
[0155] In another embodiment, a single reader incubator is
configured with multiple fiber bundles. Referring to FIG. 13,
multiple bags 500 with sensors are each connected to separate
probes 185 by a user and left attached to the probes. Separate
probes 185 are connected to optical platform 180 by optical fibers
(light guides). Optical platform 180 is more fully described below
(see FIG. 19). The fiber optics in the probes 185 convey excitation
light to the sensor and fluorescent emissions back to the detector
within the optical platform 180. The excitation light can be split
from one light source and piped to multiple probes 185 and bag
sensors by physically blocking the excitation fiber optics so the
fiber optic for only one probe is excited.
[0156] For example, if four probes (1, 2, 3, and 4) are connected
to a single excitation source a moving shutter blocks the light
collection ends of probes 1, 2 and 3 to only allow light to travel
to probe 4. Then the shutters are changed to block the ends of
probes 2, 3, and 4 allowing excitation only to probe 1. Each of the
dual emissions from the sensors are collected with light for each
channel from all the probes focused on a single detector.
[0157] For example, a system with four probes (1, 2, 3, and 4) and
emission readings A and B for each probe, would have two detectors
A and B. Detector A would have all the light from probe 1A, 2A, 3A,
and 4A focused on it and likewise with detector B. Then depending
on what probe was excited by means of the physical blocking, the
emission readings can be tied to which probe was excited. A
plurality of bags could be studied with a single excitation and
emission system in this way also a plurality of these excitation
and emission systems 700 could be incorporated into a single
central processor 170, with output to user interface and display
130.
[0158] FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration for the incubators
described in FIGS. 12 and 13. Referring to FIG. 14, the schematic
illustration shows how the components of a representative system
for carrying out the method of the invention are adapted and
connected to make an incubator. System components include display
130 for determining the status of the system and viewing pH
determination results; memory device 165 for storing test results
and calibration data; signal processing electronics 170 for
commanding the optical platform components and processing signals
from the optical platform; and optical platform 180 including an
excitation source280, emission detectors 380 and 480, light guides,
and associated lenses and filters. Optical platform 180 includes
probe 185. Probe 185 is reversibly connectible to bag 500 with
insert.
[0159] In one embodiment, an incubator machine may have one probe
185 that connects to multiple bags 500, as shown in FIG. 12. In
another embodiment, an incubator machine may have multiple probes
185 and a single optical platform 180, as shown in
[0160] FIG. 13. In yet another embodiment, an incubator machine may
have multiple probes 185 with multiple excitation sources 280 and
emission detectors 380 and 480. The basic structure for this
embodiment is shown in FIG. 14.
[0161] To have practical utility, the parametric information (e.g.,
pH) obtained by the systems and methods of the invention need be
stored and analyzed. There are several options for storing and
analyzing the obtained data. Multi-read data can be stored for
real-time analysis on a memory device, such as a chip, that is
integrated into the storage bag (i.e., vessel) itself. The memory
device is read/write capable in order to receive information and
store it for later analysis. In this way, data are directly linked
to the bag and follow the bag from one location to the next. For
example, a bag may be transferred from a donor center to a research
laboratory or hospital blood bank. Storing the data on a memory
device that is integrated into the bag allows the data to be read
directly from the storage bag prior to being analyzed.
[0162] In one embodiment, data of the pH and other analytes can be
stored on a memory device attached to the platelet bag. A Texas
Instruments S2000 RFID transponder and corresponding low-frequency
RFID tags were employed as a proof of principle platform. The
available RFID tags were limited in memory capacity, having at most
80 bits available for read/write operations. To overcome this
memory limitation, pH values were encoded to have a range such that
pH 6.2 and 7.8 corresponded to hexadecimal values zero (0) and
fifteen (F), respectively. In binary representation each
hexadecimal value requires four bits.
[0163] The representative system of the invention (BCSI pH1000,
Blood Cell Storage, Inc., Seattle, Wash.) was coupled to the RFID
system through a personal computer. An RFID antenna was fitted
inside the pH1000 casing. Software was written in Matlab to
integrate the functions of the pH1000 and S2000. When a transponder
entered the antenna range, data was automatically read from the
RFID tag and the user prompted to perform a reading. Subsequent to
additional measurements on the pH1000; new data was appended to the
RFID tag.
[0164] Bags can be identified and tracked by integrating an RFID
chip in the bag itself as a means for writing data to the vessel
containing the sample. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the chip can be
integrated in the label 130 of bag 500. Bags can also be identified
and tracked by identifying each bag with a unique bar code. The bar
code on the platelet storage bag can also be used for other
identification information, for example, to identify the bag's
position in the incubator. When data are stored on an RFID chip,
there is no need to identify the bag position in the incubator.
[0165] Another data storage option is to store data on a central
computer that is linked to the system for monitoring pH. When data
are collected, they are transferred to a central computer where
they are stored. The central computer is equipped to generate a pH
profile using data that it has accumulated. Yet another option is
to store data directly on the reader. Data can be processed on the
reader to generate a pH profile, or can be transferred to a central
computer that generates the pH profile.
[0166] To advise regarding the quality of the sample in the vessel
interrogated by the systems and methods of the invention, pass/fail
algorithms may be utilized that examine the rate of change in pH
per unit of time over the course of the bag tracking in an
automated fashion. A drop in pH greater than some threshold value
as defined from examination of a plurality of data would constitute
assignment and reporting of a FAIL value which will be associated
with the particular bag being examined.
[0167] In one aspect of the invention, a method for monitoring pH
of a sample is provided. In the method, pH is determined by
comparing fluorescent emission intensities from a single
fluorescent species having pH-dependent fluorescent emission. The
fluorescent species having pH-dependent fluorescent emission has a
first emission intensity at a first wavelength and a second
emission intensity at a second wavelength, the first and second
emission intensities being characteristic of pH in the environment
of the fluorescent species. The ratio of the first and second
emission intensities provides pH measurement. Calibration of the
first and second emission intensities provides an intensity-based
reference (ratio information) that is used to determine the pH of
the environment of the fluorescent species.
[0168] In one embodiment, fluorescent signal analysis of the ratio
of first and second emission wavelengths is used to calculate the
resulting pH. Fluorescent signal analysis and analysis of the pH
algorithm are performed as follows. The instrument collects the
fluorescent intensities at 568 nm (fr) and at 600 nm (fp), and then
calculates the ratio of the fp to fr signals. The pH has been found
to be a function of the ratio and the fp value described as
pH=f(ratio)+g(fp). The f(ratio) function is nonlinear while the
g(fp) function is linear. The best description of the f(ratio) is
Constant1*1n(ratio)+Constant2. The instrument then uses a lookup
table, such as the lookup table in FIG. 15, to find the appropriate
value for the f(ratio) function and then calculates the g(fp)
adjustment and calculates a pH. Because the intensities of the fr
and fp channels are dependent on optical path and the instrument
hardware, the intensity values obtained from a single part are not
identical for each instrument. However, the differences between
these intensities are linearly related and thus it is possible to
compare the results from one instrument to another as well as
create the f(ratio) and g(fp) relationships on a different
instrument than the instrument that the calibration of pH and
fluorescent signal was performed on.
[0169] FIG. 15 is a graph of a mathematical function of the ratio
of first and second emission intensities as related to pH. This
type of graph is also known as a lookup table, and is useful in the
method and system of the present invention. For example, according
to the lookup table in FIG. 15, a ratio of 1.6 corresponds to pH
6.0; a ratio of 2.56 corresponds to pH 7.0; and a ratio of 4.48
corresponds to pH 8.0.
[0170] The lookup table in FIG. 15 is generated from calibration
data depicted in FIG. 16. FIG. 16 shows the data from calibration
studies of five lots. Individual lookup tables are possible for
each lot or as FIG. 16 demonstrates the lots when compared to one
lookup table agree within +/-0.159 pH units. Calibration data is
collected in the manner described in Example 7. Apheresis platelets
and plasma are separated into large platelet bags rigged to
resemble the small bag (see FIG. 2). Four groups are followed over
time to give a suitable range of pH. The four groups are: (1)
normal--standard fill of 12-15 mLs to generate pH decline over the
shelf life of the platelets, (2) plasma--to generate high pH range,
(3) underfills--fill of only 7 mLs, and (4) bacterially
spiked--standard fill with the addition of 100 CFU/mL of Klebsiella
oxytoca after the 24 hour read to generate very low pH. Readings
are initially performed after 4 hours of equilibration, then twice
daily through four days and once daily for the remainder of 7-10
days.
[0171] Platelet pH trends were analyzed to determine acceptable and
unacceptable rates of change for stored platelets. The rate of
change can be used to determine the quality of stored PC. Referring
to FIG. 17, pH profiles were generated for 5 types of platelets: PC
sample with a low platelet count, PC sample with a high platelet
count, two PC samples with bacterial contamination, and PC sample
that is a "poor storer." After an initial rise in pH attributable
to CO.sub.2 off gassing, pH rates of change can be described as
follows. PC samples with a high platelet count had a pH drop of
about 0.02 pH units per day. PC samples with a low platelet count
had a pH drop of about 0.04 pH units per day. pH drops in this
range are characteristic of good quality PCs that are usable. In
comparison, poor storing PCs had a pH drop of about 0.08 pH units
per day, and bacterially-contaminated PCs had a pH drop of about
0.2 pH units per day. pH drops in this range are characteristic of
poor quality PCs that are unusable.
[0172] To further understand the systems and methods of the
invention, the following detailed description is provided.
[0173] In one embodiment, the fluorescent species having
pH-dependent fluorescent emission is immobilized on a substrate in
contact with the sample such that the fluorescent species is in
contact with the sample. The immobilized fluorescent species in
contact with the sample is located in the sample such that the
fluorescent species can be interrogated. The fluorescence
measurement is made by irradiating the fluorescent species at a
wavelength sufficient to elicit fluorescent emission, which is then
measured. Because of the pH-dependent nature of the fluorescent
species' emission profile (i.e., first and second fluorescent
emission intensities measured at first and second emission
wavelengths, respectively) the measurement of the fluorescent
emission profile yields the pH of the fluorescent species'
environment (i.e., sample pH).
[0174] In one embodiment, the sample for which the pH is to be
determined is contained in a sealed vessel. As noted above, this
method is suitable for measuring pH of blood and blood products
sealed in a conventional blood storage vessel.
[0175] In another embodiment, the sample for which the pH is to be
determined is contained in an open vessel. As used herein, the term
"open vessel" refers to a vessel that is not sealed. In this
method, the probe is cleaned and/or sterilized and is used once and
discarded. This method is suitable for measuring the pH of
materials used in food, pharmaceutical, or biological research
where the vessel containing the material is not sealed (i.e.,
open). Such a "lab-use" system includes a tip (see description
below) placed onto the probe. The pH measurement is made by
immersing the tip into the sample and measuring pH. The tip is
removed from the sample, removed from the probe, and discarded.
[0176] In the method for measuring the pH of a contained sample,
the fluorescent species (e.g., substrate-immobilized fluorescent
species) is introduced into the vessel either before or after the
sample is placed in the vessel. The sealed vessel prevents the
contents of the vessel from contact from, for example, liquids,
gases, or contaminants outside of the vessel. The sealed vessel
also prevents the contents of the vessel from escaping the
vessel.
[0177] The vessel can be manufactured to include the
substrate-immobilized fluorescent species as a component of the
vessel. In such an embodiment, the substrate-immobilized
fluorescent species is incorporated into the vessel during
manufacture to provide a vessel into which a sample can be later
introduced and its pH measured. The manufacture of a vessel
incorporating the substrate-immobilized fluorescent species is
described in Example 1.
[0178] Alternatively, the substrate-immobilized fluorescent species
can be introduced into the vessel after the sample has been
introduced into the vessel. In such an embodiment, the
substrate-immobilized fluorescent species is introduced into the
vessel by a process in which the vessel is first punctured (or
spiked) to introduce the substrate-immobilized fluorescent species
and then resealed to provide a sealed vessel including the sample
now in contact with the substrate-immobilized fluorescent
species.
[0179] The process for introducing the substrate-immobilized
fluorescent species into a sealed vessel is described in Example
2.
[0180] As noted above, the vessel including the
substrate-immobilized fluorescent species in contact with the
sample is sealed before, during, and after interrogation.
Interrogation of the fluorescent species requires excitation of the
species at a wavelength sufficient to effect fluorescent emission
from the species and measurement of that fluorescent emission. In
the method of the invention, interrogation is accomplished through
a window in the sealed vessel. The fluorescent species is excited
by irradiation through the window, and emission from the
fluorescent species is collected from the fluorescent species
though the window. The window is a component of the sealed vessel
and allows for interrogation of the fluorescent species in contact
with the sample. The window is sufficiently transparent at the
excitation and emission wavelengths to permit interrogation by the
method. The substrate-immobilized fluorescent species is positioned
in proximity to the window sufficient for interrogation: proximity
sufficient to effectively excite the fluorescent species and to
effectively collect emission from the fluorescent species. It will
be appreciated that for epifluorescence applications, a single
window is used. However, other methods and devices of the invention
can include other optical paths, such as straight-through or right
angle optical paths, where more than one window can be used.
[0181] The method of the invention includes irradiating the
fluorescent species, which in one embodiment is contained along
with a sample in a sealed vessel, at a wavelength sufficient to
effect emission from the fluorescent species and to measure that
emission. Exciting light and fluorescent emission pass through the
sealed vessel's window. In one embodiment, the sealed vessel
further includes a port for receiving a housing that holds the
excitation light guide and emission light guide. In one embodiment,
the excitation light guide includes one or more optical fibers that
transmit the excitation light from a light source to the
fluorescent species. In one embodiment, the emission light guide
includes one or more optical fibers that transmit the emission
light from the fluorescent species to a light detector. The port
receiving the housing is positioned in proximity to the window
sufficient for interrogation: proximity sufficient to effectively
excite the fluorescent species and to effectively collect emission
from the fluorescent species.
[0182] As with all optical fluorescent methods, the method of the
invention includes a light source for exciting the fluorescent
species and a detector for measuring the emission of the
fluorescent species. Light sources, wavelength selection filters,
and detectors are selected based on the absorbance and emission
profiles of the fluorescent species used in the method.
[0183] Suitable light sources provide excitation energy at a
wavelength and intensity sufficient to effect fluorescent emission
from the fluorescent species. The light source can provide
relatively broad wavelength band excitation (e.g., ultraviolet or
white light sources) or relatively narrower wavelength band
excitation (e.g., laser or light-emitting diode). To enhance
excitation efficiency and emission measurement, relatively broad
wavelength band exciting light from the source can be selected and
narrowed through the use of diffraction gratings, monochromators,
or filters to suit the fluorescent species. Suitable light sources
include tungsten lamps, halogen lamps, xenon lamps, arc lamps,
LEDs, hollow cathode lamps, and lasers.
[0184] Suitable detectors detect the intensity of fluorescent
emission over the emission wavelength band of the fluorescent
species. To enhance emission measurement, fluorescent emission from
the fluorescent species source can be selected and narrowed through
the use of diffraction gratings, monochromators, or filters to suit
the fluorescent species. Suitable detectors include photomultiplier
tubes and solid state detectors, such as photodiodes, responsive to
the wavelength emission band of the fluorescent species. Other
suitable detectors are photovoltaic cells, PIN diodes, and
avalanche photodiodes.
[0185] Through the use of filters, all of the excitation light that
reflects off the target is filtered out before reaching the
detector. This can be achieved by using filters in both the
excitation and emission optical paths. In certain instances,
reflected excitation light (which is many orders of magnitude more
intense than the emission light) that reaches the detector can
swamp the specific signal. Generally, 10E5 (10.sup.5) or greater
out-of-band rejection is appropriate in each of the filter sets.
Reduction of excitation light can also be achieved by using an
angled window so that reflected light is directed away from the
emission detector. However, such an optical path is not as
effective as filter sets.
[0186] Excitation light from the source can be directed to the
fluorescent species through the use of a light guide, such as one
or more optical fibers. Similarly, emission from the fluorescent
species can be directed to the detector through the use of a light
guide, such as one or more optical fibers.
[0187] A representative system for carrying out the method of the
invention is illustrated schematically in FIG. 18. Referring to
FIG. 18, system 100 includes controller 110 that controls and
operates the system components. System components include keypad
120 for inputting information including system commands; display
130 for determining the status of the system and viewing pH
determination results; barcode reader 140 for inputting information
to the system including the identification of the sample, the pH of
which is to be measured by the system; printer 150 for printing
system status and pH determination results; battery (or wall plug
and power adapter) 160 for powering the system; memory device 165
for storing test results and calibration data; signal processing
electronics 170 for commanding the optical platform components and
processing signals from the optical platform; and optical platform
180 including an excitation source, emission detectors, light
guides, and associated lenses and filters. Optical platform
includes probe 185 housing one or more excitation light guides and
two or more emission light guides. FIG. 19A also illustrates sealed
vessel 500 including port 205 for receiving probe 185.
[0188] FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of an optical platform
useful in the system of the invention for measuring pH. Referring
to FIG. 19, optical platform 180 includes excitation optics 280,
first emission optics 380, and second emission optics 480.
[0189] Excitation optics 280 include light source 282, collimating
lens 284, filter 286, focusing lens 288, and excitation light
waveguide 290. First emission optics 380 include detector 382,
focusing lens 384, filter 386, collimating lens 388, and first
emission light waveguide 390. Second emission optics 480 includes
detector 482, focusing lens 484, filter 486, collimating lens 488,
and second emission light waveguide 490. Excitation light guide
290, first emission light waveguide 390, and second emission light
waveguide 490 are housed in probe 185.
[0190] The system's light source is effective in exciting the
fluorescent species. Suitable light sources include light-emitting
diodes, lasers, tungsten lamps, halogen lamps, xenon lamps, arc
lamps, and hollow cathode lamps. In one embodiment, the light
source is a light-emitting diode emitting light in the range from
500 to 560 nm. A representative light-emitting diode useful in the
system of the invention is a green ultrabright Cotco 503 series LED
commercially available from Marktech, Latham N.Y.
[0191] The collimating lens directs light (e.g., excitation light
from the light source or first and second emission light from the
emission light waveguides) to the bandpass filter. Suitable
collimating lenses include Biconvex glass lenses and Plano-convex
glass lenses.
[0192] Representative collimating lenses useful in the system of
the invention are the Tech Spec PCX lenses commercially available
from Edmund Optics, Barrington, N.J. The excitation collimating
lens is 12.times.36 (diameter by effective focal length in mm) and
the first and second emission collimating lenses are
12.times.18.
[0193] The focusing lens focuses light from the bandpass filter to
the excitation light waveguide or from the bandpass filter to the
detector. Suitable focusing lenses include Biconvex glass lenses
and Plano-convex glass lenses. Representative focusing lenses
useful in the system of the invention are the Tech Spec PCX lenses
commercially available from Edmund Optics, Barrington, N.J. The
excitation focusing lens is 12.times.18 and the first and second
emission focusing lenses are 12.times.15.
[0194] Filters are used in the optical platform to narrow the
bandwidth of transmitted light.
[0195] Suitable excitation filters include bandpass filters,
shortpass filters, longpass filters, or a combination of short and
long pass filters. In one embodiment, the system uses a shortpass
filter that passes light in the range from about 370 nm to 540 nm.
A representative excitation shortpass filter useful in the system
of the invention is 540ASP commercially available from Omega
Optical, Brattleboro, Vt.
[0196] Suitable first emission filters include bandpass, shortpass,
longpass, or a combination of short and longpass filters. In one
embodiment, the bandpass filter passes light in the range from
about 595 to 605 nm and has a full width at half height of 10 nm. A
representative first emission bandpass filter useful in the system
of the invention is 600DF10 commercially available from Omega
Optical, Brattleboro, Vt.
[0197] Suitable second emission filters include bandpass,
shortpass, longpass, or a combination of short and longpass
filters. In one embodiment, the bandpass filter passes light in the
range from about 562 to 573 nm and has a full width at half height
of 10 nm. A representative second emission bandpass filter useful
in the system of the invention is 568DF10 commercially available
from Omega Optical, Brattleboro, Vt.
[0198] The excitation light waveguide transmits excitation light
from the light source through the probe to the fluorescent species.
In one embodiment, the excitation light waveguide includes one or
more optical fibers. In one embodiment, the excitation waveguide is
a single optical fiber. A representative fiber optic useful in the
system of invention is RO2-534 commercially available from Edmund
Optics, Barrington, N.J.
[0199] The first and second emission light waveguides transmit
fluorescent emission from the fluorescent species through the probe
to the first and second emission detectors, respectively.
[0200] In one embodiment, the first emission light waveguide
includes one or more optical fibers. In one embodiment, the first
emission light waveguide includes a plurality of optical fibers. In
one embodiment, the first emission light waveguide includes four
optical fibers. A representative fiber optic useful in the system
of invention is RO2-533 commercially available from Edmund Optics,
Barrington, N.J.
[0201] In one embodiment, the second emission light waveguide
includes one or more optical fibers. In one embodiment, the second
emission light waveguide includes a plurality of optical fibers. In
one embodiment, the second emission light waveguide includes four
optical fibers. A representative fiber optic useful in the system
of invention is RO2-533 commercially available from Edmund Optics,
Barrington, N.J.
[0202] Suitable optical fibers useful in the system of the
invention include glass or plastic optical fibers from 0.2 to 2 mm
diameter.
[0203] The system's first and second emission detectors are
effective in measuring the first and second fluorescent emissions
from the fluorescent species. Suitable detectors include
photodiodes, PIN diodes, and photomultiplier tubes. In one
embodiment, the first and second emission detectors are photodiodes
responsive in the range from 400 to 800 nm. Representative
photodiodes useful in the system of the invention include BPW34
commercially available from Vishay Intertechnology, Malvern,
Pa.
[0204] A representative probe housing excitation and emission light
guides useful in the system of the invention is illustrated
schematically in FIG. 20. As shown in FIG. 20, the light guides are
optical fibers. Referring to FIG. 20, probe 185 houses excitation
light guide 290, a plurality of first emission light guides 390,
and a plurality of second emission light guides 490. In the
representative probe shown in FIG. 20, there are four first
emission light guides 390, and four second emission light guides
490. The four first emission light guides can be considered to be a
first channel (e.g., measuring the first fluorescent emission from
the fluorescent species) and the four second emission light guides
can be considered to be a second channel (e.g., measuring the
second fluorescent emission from the fluorescent species). In the
illustrated representative probe, the fibers from each of the two
sets of fibers alternate (i.e., alternating fibers 390 and 490)
around the central fiber (290). This configuration provides for
evening out of "hot spots" so that light collected by the first set
is similar to the light collected by the second set.
[0205] The relationship between the probe housing the
excitation/emission light guides and the sealed vessel port is
illustrated schematically in FIG. 21. Referring to FIG. 21, probe
185 is received by port 205. Port 205 includes window 210, which is
transparent to excitation and emission wavelengths used in the
fluorescent measurement. Excitation light emanating from light
guide 290 passes through window 210 and interrogates substrate 220
on which the fluorescent species is immobilized and which, in the
operation of the method of the invention, is in contact with the
sample contained in sealed vessel 200. Irradiation of substrate 220
results in excitation of the substrate-immobilized fluorescent
species and fluorescent emission from the fluorescent species.
Emission from the fluorescent species is received by and
transmitted through light guides 390 and 490 to detectors 382 and
482, respectively (see FIG. 19B). As noted above, the fluorescent
species' first emission intensity and the second emission intensity
will depend on the pH of the sample.
[0206] A representative port assembly useful for incorporation into
a sealed vessel during manufacture is illustrated in FIG. 22.
Referring to FIG. 22, port assembly 232 includes port 205 and tip
235. Port 205 is a cylinder terminating with window 210 and having
opening 212 for receiving probe 185 (not shown). In one embodiment,
port 205 tapers from opening 212 to window 210 such that the depth
of insertion of probe 185 into port 205 is predetermined by the
probe's diameter. When inserted in the port, the face of probe 185
and window 210 are substantially parallel. Port 205 and tip 235 are
adapted such that the port and tip are reversibly connectable. In
one embodiment, port 205 includes annular inset 214 and tip 235
includes opening 216 defined by annular lip 218 for receiving inset
214. In this embodiment, inset 214 has a diameter less than opening
216. It will be appreciated that the connecting relationship
between the port and tip can be reversed (i.e., port having annular
lip for receiving tip having inset). Lip 218 defines bed 222 for
receiving substrate 220, which is secured in port assembly 202 when
port 205 is connected to tip 235. Tip 235 includes aperture 224 in
bed 222. Aperture 224 provides for contact of substrate 220 with a
liquid sample contained in the sealed vessel.
[0207] Fluorescent species having pH-dependent emission. In one
embodiment, the method and system of the invention for measuring pH
uses a fluorescent species having pH-dependent fluorescent
emission. The fluorescent species has a first emission intensity at
a first wavelength and a second emission intensity at a second
wavelength, the first and second emission intensities being
characteristic of pH in the environment of the fluorescent species.
The ratio of the first and second emission intensities provides pH
measurement. It is appreciated that fluorescent emission occurs as
a wavelength band having a band maximum that is referred to herein
as the emission wavelength.
[0208] In one embodiment, the separation between the first
wavelength and the second wavelength is at least about 40 nm. In
one embodiment, the separation between the first wavelength and the
second wavelength is at least about 30 nm. In one embodiment, the
separation between the first wavelength and the second wavelength
is at least about 20 nm. Using 10 nm HBW filters, the separation is
at least about 30 nm. Preferably, the system of the invention
achieves fluorescence signal separation by removing any emission
band overlap by 10E5 or more.
[0209] The method and system of the invention for measuring pH are
not limited to any particular fluorescent species, nor any
particular pH range. The method and system of the invention is
operable with any fluorescent species having pH-dependent
properties that can be excited and its emission measured. The range
of pH measurable by the method and system of the invention can be
selected and is determined by the pH-dependent properties of the
fluorescent species.
[0210] In addition to their pH-dependent properties noted above,
suitable fluorescent species include those that can be
substantially irreversibly immobilized on a substrate. The
fluorescent species can be covalently coupled to the substrate or
non-covalently associated with the substrate.
[0211] Suitable pH-dependent fluorescent species include those
known in the art. Representative fluorescent species having
suitable pH-dependent properties include fluorescein derivatives
including naphthofluorescein compounds, seminaphthofluorescein
compounds (e.g., SNAFL compounds), and seminaphthorhodafluor
compounds (e.g., SNARF compounds). These compounds have advantages
associated with their long wavelength emission, which is less
susceptible to potential interfering light absorbing substances in
blood. These compounds also have relatively long wavelength
absorbance making them particularly suitable for excitation by
commercially available LED light sources. Another compound having
suitable pH dependent behavior is HPTS,
8-hydroxy-1,3,6-pyrenetrisulfonic acid. Although the compound has
desired ratiometric pH properties, excitation is optimal at short
wavelength (403 nm) where strong LED light sources are not
commercially available. Representative SNAFL and SNARF compounds
useful in the method and system of the invention are described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,171. Molecular Probes (now Invitrogen, Eugene,
Oreg.) sells CNF, SNAFL, SNARF fluors with conjugatable carboxylic
acid linker groups, see, for example, Molecular Probes Handbook
(Ninth Edition) by R. P. Haugland, Chapter 21 "pH indicators" pages
829-847. Epoch Biosciences (now Nanogen, Bothell, Wash.) sells
EBIO-3 with a propanoic acid linker. Whitaker et al. (Anal.
Biochem. (1991) 194, 330-344) showed the synthesis of a number of
SNAFL compounds. Wolfbeis et al. (Mikrochim Acta (1992) 108,
133-141) described the use of CNF and aminocellulose conjugates.
The earliest reference to the SNAFL family of compounds is Whitaker
et al. (1988) Biophys. J. 53, 197a. A related dye in the CNF family
is VITABLUE, a sulfonenaphthofluorescein derivative (Lee et al.
(1989) Cytometry 10, 151-164) having a pKa of 7.56. A CNF analog
with bromine substituents at each carbon adjacent to a phenol (pKa
7.45) has a pKa that is 0.54 pKa units lower than their measured
pKa for CNF (pKa 7.99). Lee et al. note that "true" pKa values are
difficult to determine for these compounds. A method for pKa
determination is described in Example 12. SNAFL-1 (literature
pKa.about.7.8) free acid had a pKa of 7.6 in that
fluorescence-based assay. Other suitable fluorescent species
include the compounds described in U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. US 2006/0204990 A1, published Sep. 14, 2006
(11/357,750).
[0212] The structures of seminaphthofluorescein compounds (SNAFL-1
and EBIO-3) useful in one embodiment of the method and system of
the invention are illustrated below.
##STR00002##
[0213] The numbering scheme describes position of attachment of
linker molecules. These compounds have carboxylate linking groups
suitable for conjugation to carrier proteins, as described below.
For conjugation, the reactive N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester of
SNAFL-1 (commercially available from Molecule Probes, Inc., Eugene,
OR) can be used. Conjugation to lysine residues in human serum
albumin (HSA) gave desired SNAFL/HSA conjugates. Carbodiimide
activation of EBIO-3 gave a reactive intermediate that was
efficiently conjugated to human serum albumin.
[0214] Representative seminaphthofluorescein compounds useful in a
method and system of the invention are illustrated in FIGS.
23A-23E.
[0215] The SNAFL compounds are commercially available from
Molecular Probes, Inc., Eugene, Oreg. The SNAFL compounds can be
readily synthesized according to general procedures that have been
published (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,171).
[0216] The preparation of a representative 2-chloro substituted
SNAFL compound is shown below.
##STR00003##
[0217] The compound can be prepared by condensation of
1,6-dihydroxynaphthalene with the diacid substituted
4-acylresorcinol in the presence of a dehydrating acid or Lewis
acid catalyst, such as zinc chloride.
[0218] The preparation of SNAFL compounds having propionic acid
linkers is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/022,039, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A
representative SNAFL compounds having a propionic acid linker,
EBIO-3, is commercially available from Nanogen, Bothell Wash.
[0219] The emission spectra as a function of pH of representative
fluorescent species (i.e., SNAFL-1 and EBIO-1) useful in the method
and system of the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25,
respectively. FIG. 24 illustrates the emission spectra of SNAFL-1
in 50 mM potassium phosphate buffer as a function of pH (pH 6.0 to
10.0) (excitation at 540 nm). Referring to FIG. 24, the response at
pH 6-7 is relatively poor (pKa=7.6). FIG. 25 illustrates the
emission spectra of EBIO-3 in 50 mM potassium phosphate buffer as a
function of pH (pH 6.0 to 10.0) (excitation at 545 nm). Referring
to FIG. 25, the response at pH 6-7 is relatively good (pKa=6.6).
Spectral properties and pKa data for the SNAFL analogs illustrated
in FIGS. 23A-23E are summarized in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 pH-Sensitive absorbance and emission of
SNAFL analogs. Emission Absorbance Absorbance Emission .lamda.max
Compound .lamda.max (acid) .lamda.max (base) .lamda.iso (base) pKa
SNAFL-1 482, 510 nm 540 nm 585 nm 620 nm 7.6 SNAFL-2 485, 514 547
590 630 7.6 EBIO-1 496, 519 545 560 620 6.5 EBIO-2 506, 538 572 590
645 7.8 EBIO-3 480, 509 534 560 610 6.6
[0220] Referring to Table 1, absorbance and emission spectra were
obtained at 10 .mu.M SNAFL analog. Absorbance was measured at pH 6,
8, and 10: acid (pH 6) gave two bands of similar absorbance; pH 10
gave a single .lamda.max (base). The emission spectra were
determined by excitation at the absorbance .lamda.max (base). The
wavelength where emission spectra crossed is reported as
.lamda.iso. The emission .lamda.max was measured at pH 10. pKa was
determined from fluorescence emission spectra. EBIO-1 and EBIO-3
were more sensitive to changes at pH .about.6.5. The other analogs
were more sensitive at pH .about.8.
[0221] Fluorescent species conjugates for substrate immobilization.
For use in a method and system of the invention, the fluorescent
species may be immobilized on a substrate such that the fluorescent
species is in contact with the sample, the pH of which is to be
measured. The fluorescent species can be immobilized on the
substrate through the use of a material (e.g., macromolecular
spacer material) having a strong associative interaction with the
substrate. The spacer material allows covalent conjugation of the
fluorescent species and provides large surface area needed for
efficient non-covalent immobilization to the substrate surface. In
one embodiment, the spacer material is human serum albumin (HSA)
having .about.44 lysine residues available for covalent
conjugation. HSA's densely charged molecular structure has a
passivating effect when adsorbed to biomaterials. Other advantages
include reduced fluorescence quenching, uniform environment for the
conjugated fluorophore, and availability in recombinant form (from
yeast) so there is no chance of infection (as with HSA from
donors). HSA conjugates are easily purified by ultrafiltration
methods and form stable solutions that are easily characterized by
absorbance and fluorescence assays to determine the number of
fluorophores per protein.
[0222] In one embodiment, the fluorescent species is immobilized on
the substrate through the use of a protein or protein fragment.
Suitable proteins include those that can be substantially
irreversibly immobilized on the substrate. The protein can be
covalently coupled to the substrate or non-covalently associated
with the substrate. Suitable proteins include proteins to which the
fluorescent species can be substantially irreversibly immobilized.
The fluorescent species can be covalently or non-covalently
associated with the protein.
[0223] Suitable proteins include human serum albumin (HSA), bovine
serum albumin (BSA), vonWillebrand's factor, kininogen, fibrinogen,
and hemoglobin (no iron). Suitable proteins include proteins having
available lysine residues (for conjugation to the fluorophore) and
molecular weight sufficient to allow for immobilization efficiency
to the blot membrane. Other functional groups in the protein (like
cysteine) could presumably be used for covalent bonding to suitably
reactive solid supports.
[0224] In one embodiment, the fluorescent species is immobilized on
the substrate through the use of a polysaccharide. Suitable
polysaccharides include those that can be substantially
irreversibly immobilized on the substrate. The polysaccharide can
be covalently coupled to the substrate or non-covalently associated
with the substrate. Suitable polysaccharides include proteins to
which the fluorescent species can be substantially irreversibly
immobilized. The fluorescent species can be covalently or
non-covalently associated with the polysaccharide.
[0225] Suitable polysaccharides include dextrans, aminodextrans,
heparin, and lectins.
[0226] In another embodiment, the fluorescent species is
immobilized on the substrate through the use of dendrimeric
structures . Suitable dendrimeric structures include those that can
be substantially irreversibly immobilized on the substrate. The
dendrimeric structures can be covalently coupled to the substrate
or non-covalently associated with the substrate. PAMAM dendrimers
are commercially available as are other structural types and
sizes.
[0227] In one embodiment, the fluorescent species is covalently
coupled to a protein to provide a fluorophore-protein conjugate
that can be immobilized on a substrate. In one embodiment, the
fluorophore-polysaccharide conjugate is non-covalently associated
with the substrate.
[0228] In one embodiment, a fluorophore-protein conjugate is
immobilized on a substrate. In one embodiment, the fluorescent
species is a seminaphthofluorescein and the protein is human serum
albumin. In one embodiment, the seminaphthofluorescein is SNAFL-1.
The preparation of SNAFL-1/HSA conjugates is described in Example
13. The fluorescent properties of SNAFL-1/HSA conjugates are
described in Example 14. In one embodiment, the
seminaphthofluorescein is EBIO-3. The preparation of EBIO-3/HSA
conjugates is described in Example 1. A schematic illustration of
the coupling of EBIO-3 to HSA is illustrated in FIG. 26. The
fluorescent properties of EBIO-3/HSA conjugates are described in
Example 15.
[0229] The fluorescent emission spectra as a function of pH (6.0 to
10.0) of a representative fluorophore-protein conjugate
(SNAFL-1/HSA, 1.6 fluorophores per HSA) useful in the method and
system of the invention are illustrated in FIG. 27.
[0230] The fluorescent emission spectra as a function of pH (6.0 to
10.0) of a representative fluorophore-protein conjugate
(EBIO-3/HSA, 1.92 fluorophores per HSA) useful in the method and
system of the invention are illustrated in FIG. 28.
[0231] For the fluorophore-protein conjugate, the optimum
fluorophore loading will vary depending on the particular
fluorophore.
[0232] For SNAFL-1/HSA conjugates the fluorophore loading can vary
from about 0.01 to about 38 SNAFL-1/HSA. Low signal at 0.01 and
fluorescent quenching at 40 fluorophores/HSA. In one embodiment,
the SNAFL-1 conjugate includes about 2 SNAFL-1/HSA.
[0233] For EBIO-3/HSA conjugates the fluorophore loading can vary
from about 0.01 to about 40 EBIO-3/HSA. In one embodiment, the
EBIO-3 conjugate includes about 2 EBIO-3/HSA.
[0234] Substrates for fluorescent species immobilization. In the
method and system of the invention, the fluorescent species is
immobilized on a substrate. As noted above, the fluorescent species
can be directly immobilized on the substrate covalently or by
non-covalent association or, alternatively, through the use of a
material (e.g., fluorophore-protein conjugate) that can be
immobilized on the substrate covalently or by non-covalent
association.
[0235] Suitable substrates substantially irreversible immobilized
the fluorescent species. In the method of the invention, suitable
substrates also do not inhibit the contact of the liquid sample
with the fluorescent species and do not impair or alter the pH
measurement.
[0236] Representative substrates include membranes, such as
microporous membranes made of cellulose, nitrocellulose, mixed
esters of nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate, polyethylene
terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyvinylidene fluoride and
polyimide. Such materials are available commercially from Whatman
S&S, Florham Park, N.J. and Millipore, Billerica Mass. Suitable
membranes include membranes in which the microporous structure is
created by ion beam penetration such as membranes commercially
available from Oxyphen Gmbh, Dresden, Germany under the designation
OXYPHEN. Charged nylon surfaces (Nytran) can also be used. Suitable
membranes include plastic membranes in which the microporous
structure is made by injection molding the micropores into the
plastic such as the processes used by Amic, Stockholm, Sweden.
Emission intensity of SNAFL-1/HSA at pH 7 immobilized on various
pore size mixed ester nitrocellulose cellulose acetate membranes is
shown in FIG. 38.
[0237] Immobilization of representative fluorophore protein
conjugates on membranes is described in Examples 16 and 2. Example
16 describes the immobilization of SNAFL-1/HSA conjugates. Example
17 describes the fluorescent properties of immobilized SNAFL-1/HSA
conjugates. Example 2 describes the immobilization of EBIO-3/HSA
conjugates. Example 18 describes the fluorescent properties of
immobilized EBIO-3/HSA conjugates.
[0238] The emission spectra of a representative fluorophore-protein
conjugate (SNAFL-1/HSA, 3.6:1) immobilized on Oxyphen and
nitrocellulose as a function of pH (pH response), as measured by
the microwell assay described in Example 17, are illustrated in
FIGS. 29 and 30, respectively.
[0239] The emission spectra of a representative fluorophore-protein
conjugate (EBIO-3/HSA, 2.0:1) immobilized on nitrocellulose, as
described in Example 16, as a function of pH (6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5,
8.0, and 10.0), as measured by the telescoping tube insert assay
described in Example 18, are illustrated in FIG. 31. The large
spread of emissions at 600 nm for the pH 6 to 8 range indicates
good fluorescence verses pH response.
[0240] Ratiometric pH Method and System. In one embodiment, the
method of the invention is a fluorescent wavelength-ratiometric
method. In the method, the first and second fluorescent emission
intensities of the fluorescent species measured at first and second
emission wavelengths, respectively, are ratioed to provide pH
information. The first emission wavelength varies with pH while the
second emission wavelength is constant with pH and gives an
internal control for the fluorescent intensity. In one embodiment,
a lookup table is used to lookup a combination of the measured
ratio, first and second emission wavelength and determines its
corresponding pH. In one embodiment, a mathematical function of the
ratio, first and second emission wavelength is used to calculate
the resulting pH. FIG. 15 is a lookup table that correlates the
ratio of the two emission intensities to pH. FIG. 16 is an example
of data from calibration studies that are used to generate a lookup
table such as the one in FIG. 15.
[0241] FIG. 32 illustrates the data used in the method of the
invention for measuring pH. The emission spectra of a
representative fluorophore-protein conjugate (EBIO-3/HSA, 2:1)
immobilized on nitrocellulose at pH 7.0 is shown as measured by the
telescoping tubing insert assay. In this setup, the excitation
bandpass filter was unable to completely remove the excitation
light in the emission region as illustrated by the background
signal measured on a blank nitrocellulose disc. The full spectrum
corrected for the background was multiplied by the transmittance of
the first and second hypothetical filters at each wavelength and
the area under the resultant curve was calculated to give a signal
for the first and second wavelength. The center wavelengths and
bandwidths of hypothetical filters were chosen such that the
ratiometric properties of the conjugate had the strongest
relationship to the pH in the region of interest.
[0242] FIG. 33 illustrates the results of the method of the
invention for phosphate buffered saline (PBS), platelet poor plasma
(PPP), and platelet rich plasma (PRP) as measured by the
telescoping tubing insert assay described in Example 18. The three
curves represent the best fit relationship between the measured pH
and ratios for the three different liquids.
[0243] FIG. 34 illustrates the correlation of pH results for three
different plasma samples obtained by the method and system of the
invention as measured by the injection molded insert PVC tube assay
described in Example 18. The relationship between the fluorescent
signal and the pH has an accuracy of about 0.1 pH units.
[0244] FIG. 35 illustrates stability of a representative
substrate-immobilized fluorophore conjugate of the invention
(EBIO-3/HSA, 2:1) on mixed ester nitrocellulose and cellulose
acetate prepared by the soaking method and as measured by the
leaching assay described in Example 2. The low level of leaching is
far below the toxic level for any compound.
[0245] Carbon dioxide measurement. In another aspect, the present
invention provides a device and method for measuring carbon dioxide
concentration in a liquid sample. The carbon dioxide measuring
method utilizes the pH measuring method and system described above.
In the carbon dioxide measuring method and device, a
substrate-immobilized fluorescent species as described above is in
contact with a solution, the pH of which is responsive to carbon
dioxide level. In addition to being in contact with the
substrate-immobilized fluorescent species, the solution having pH
responsive to carbon dioxide level is in contact with a liquid
sample for which the level of carbon dioxide is to be measured. The
solution having pH responsive to carbon dioxide level is isolated
from the liquid sample for which the level of carbon dioxide is to
be measured by a selectively permeable membrane. The membrane is
permeable to gases (e.g., carbon dioxide) and impermeable to other
materials (e.g., liquids). Using the method of measuring pH
described above, the pH of the solution responsive to carbon
dioxide concentration in contact with the substrate-immobilized
fluorescent species is measured and correlated with the carbon
dioxide level of the sample in contact with that solution.
[0246] The solution having pH response to carbon dioxide level is
an aqueous solution that includes an agent that is reactive toward
carbon dioxide and changes the pH of the solution in response to
carbon dioxide concentration. Suitable agents that are reactive
toward carbon dioxide and change the pH of the solution in which
they are dissolved include bicarbonates, such as sodium
bicarbonate.
[0247] The selectively permeable membrane isolates the solution
having pH responsive to carbon dioxide level from the liquid sample
containing carbon dioxide. The membrane is permeable to carbon
dioxide and impermeable to liquids and other solutes. In the
method, carbon dioxide from the liquid sample passes from the
liquid sample through the membrane and into the aqueous solution
thereby reacting with the carbon dioxide reactive agent to alter
the pH of the aqueous solution. Suitable selectively permeable
membranes include membranes made from silicone and PTFE.
[0248] FIG. 36 illustrates a representative device of the invention
for measuring carbon dioxide in a sealed vessel. Referring to FIG.
36, device 600 includes port assembly 610 including port 620 and
tip 630. Port 620 is a cylinder terminating with window 622 and
having opening 624 for receiving probe 185. When inserted in the
port, the face of probe 185 and window 622 are substantially
parallel. Port 620 and tip 630 are adapted such that the port and
tip are reversibly connectable. Substrate 640 including immobilized
fluorescent species is secured within port 620 and tip 630. Tip 630
includes a chamber 645 for receiving a solution having pH
responsiveness to carbon dioxide. Chamber 645 is defined by window
622, tip 630, and selectively permeable membrane 650. Chamber 645
includes substrate 640, which is interrogated by probe 185.
[0249] A device for measuring carbon dioxide was assembled as
described above with the membrane containing immobilized
EBIO-3/rHSA conjugate (rHSA is recombinant HSA). A layer of
PARAFILM M, a blend of olefin-type materials, was added under the
membrane towards the tip. The membrane was hydrated with 5 ul of 35
mM carbonate buffer (pH 7.4), which was sealed within the assembly
by the PARAFILM M and remained hydrated throughout the assay. The
assembly was subjected to 100% carbon dioxide gas by connection to
the gas source with tubing and a "Y" adapter to bleed off the
pressure. The assembly was subjected to the carbon dioxide for an
allotted period of time, allowed to acclimate to ambient air
conditions, and repeated. The fluorescence was measured at each
stage at 568 nm and 600 nm after being excited at 525 nm. The
results are summarized below in Table 2 and reflect changes in
fluorescence due to the change in carbon dioxide concentration
demonstrating that the fluorometric ratio method of the invention
can also be used to calculate carbon dioxide concentration. The PVC
storage bags that are used for platelet storage are somewhat gas
permeable, and carbon dioxide is directly related to the
measurement of pH.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Carbon dioxide sensing results. Emission at
Emission at Environmental Conditions 568 nm 600 nm Ratio (600/568)
15 min. at ambient CO.sub.2 753 2184 2.9 5 min. at 100% CO.sub.2
1179 2234 1.894 15 min. at ambient CO.sub.2 833 2175 2.611 8 min.
at 100% CO.sub.2 1161 1930 1.662 60 min. at ambient CO.sub.2 765
2184 2.854
[0250] The present invention provides a fluorescence-based pH
indicator that can be easily inserted into the sampling ports of
designed blood storage bags and interrogated using a fiber
optic-based LED light source and photodiode measurement system. In
one embodiment, this solid state system uses a "ratiometric"
calibration method that accounts for variability in fluorescent
signal strength due to interfering substances in blood that may
interfere with the amount of excitation light that hits the
indicator dye. The ratio of fluorescence intensities are measured
at two wavelengths, one to detect the acid (protonated) isomer of
the dye and one to detect the base (deprotonated) isomer.
[0251] To develop an accurate pH detector for platelet rich plasma,
compounds having pKa of .about.6.6 are suitable, for example,
2-chloro substitution of SNAFL compound lowers the pKa of the
phenol from 7.6 to .about.6.6. Conjugates of these compounds can be
immobilized to various solid supports to provide sensing pH
membranes.
[0252] The present invention provides an inexpensive, easy to
manufacture pH sensing membrane that gives accurate measurement of
pH in platelet storage bags at pH 6.5-7.5. In one embodiment, the
invention uses a protein conjugate (human serum albumin) of a
2-chloro substituted ratiometric fluorescent compound. The
fluorophore:HSA ratio was optimized for performance when
immobilized to a nitrocellulose blot membrane. After drying on the
membrane, the fluorophore:HSA conjugate has very low leaching
rates. Discs of this material are easily assembled into holders for
insertion into the sampling ports of platelet storage bags. The
fluorescent membrane materials showed good pH response using a
green LED based fluorometer. In the method, two emission
wavelengths for ratiometric pH detection are measured with properly
filtered photodiodes with an accuracy of .about.0.1 units at the
desired low pH threshold of 6.5.
[0253] Fluorescent probe molecules can be designed to be sensitive
to a variety of environments. The method and system of the
invention describes the use of pH-sensitive fluorophores. However,
other environments can be interrogated by the method and system of
the invention modified to include environment-sensitive
fluorophores other than pH-sensitive fluorophores. A variety of
fluorescent probes that change fluorescent properties as the
molecular environment changes are commercially available. See, for
example, Molecular Probes Handbook (9.sup.th Ed.) by R. P.
Haugland. Probes can be linked to albumins or other proteins and
used to prepare substrates for interrogation as described in herein
or using other fluorescent-based methods. Examples of
environment-sensitive fluorophores, systems, and methods include
the following.
[0254] Nucleic acid detection: nucleic acid binding dyes change
fluorescent properties in the presence of DNA or RNA.
[0255] Enzyme substrates: proteins or peptides can be labeled with
fluorescent dyes and fluorescent quenching molecules such that a
fluorescent signal is generated in the presence of particular
enzymes such as proteases (FRET detection).
[0256] Probes for lipids: lipophilic dyes can change fluorescent
properties in the presence of cell membranes or other lipid rich
analytes.
[0257] Probes for oxygen: in addition to pH detection and carbon
dioxide detection, certain fluorescent molecules are sensitive to
changes in oxygen concentration, for example,
tris(2,2'-bipyridiyl)ruthenium(II) dichloride (RTDP).
[0258] Indicators for metal ions: fluorescent dyes that bind metals
can change fluorescent properties upon binding calcium, magnesium,
zinc, sodium, potassium, among other.
[0259] Glucose detection: certain lectins such as ConA bind
glucose, and suitably labeled lectins can be prepared as probes for
glucose.
[0260] One object of the invention is to at least measure the
parameters described above in order to solve some of the problems
associated with platelet storage in sealed sterile containers.
There are several problems or disadvantages described hereinafter
that may be solved by the current invention as multiple parameters
are monitored over time within the environment of the sealed
platelet storage device. The additional advantages, objects, or
computational features of the invention described herein will
become apparent to those having some skill in the art upon
examination or practice of the invention. The advantages and
objects of the invention may be attained as particularly pointed
out in the appended claims.
[0261] The following examples are provided for the purposes of
illustrating, not limiting, the invention.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
The Preparation of Representative Fluorophore-Protein Conjugates:
EBIO-3/HSA
[0262] Method A. A 0.1 M stock solution of EDC (Sigma/Aldrich
Chemical Co., St. Louis Mo.) was prepared by dissolving 6.2 mg of
EDC in 0.2 mL of DMF and 0.123 mL of 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH
5.8). 1.0 mg of EBIO-3 acid (Nanogen, Bothell, Wash.) was dissolved
in 0.102 mL of DMF to give a 20 mM solution. 3.0 mg (0.045
micromoles) of HSA (Sigma/Aldrich Chemical Co., St. Louis, Mo.) was
dissolved in 0.3 mL of pH 8.5 sodium bicarbonate in each of two 1.7
mL Eppendorf tubes. 0.1M EDC (0.045 mL) was added to 20 mM EBIO-3
(0.045 mL, 0.9 micromoles) in a separate Eppendorf tube and this
was added to one of the HSA tubes to give an EBIO-3:HSA offering
ratio of 20:1. An offering ratio of 5:1 was used in the other HSA
tube by adding a premixed solution of 0.0225 mL of EDC (0.1 mM) and
0.0225 mL of EBIO-3 (20 mM). The homogeneous dark red HSA conjugate
solutions were incubated at room temperature in the dark. After 21
hours, each of the HSA conjugates was purified on a G15 Sephadex
column as described above for the SNAFL conjugates (Example 13).
Some unreacted EBIO-3 acid remained at the top of the column
(especially for the 20:1 offering ratio), but was cleanly separated
from the desired protein conjugate that eluted first as a pink
fraction in .about.0.5 mL of pH 7.4 buffer. Each of the purified
conjugates was diluted to 0.75 mL with pH 7.4 PBS to give 4 mg/mL
solutions (0.06 mM). The red solutions were stored refrigerated and
protected from light. 1 micromolar solutions of each EBIO-3/HSA
conjugate were prepared at pH 7.4 and analyzed by UV-vis spectra
using a Beckman DU640B spectrometer. The free EBIO-3 acid (10
micromolar) spectrum had absorbance maximum at 534 nm, the 20:1
conjugate had absorbance at 538 nm and the 5:1 conjugate had
maximum at 545 nm. The spectra showed the expected increase in
absorbance with increasing EBIO-3:HSA offering ratio. Using this
EBIO-3 acid as a standard, the 20:1 conjugate had 5.07 EBIO-3:HSA
and the 5:1 offering had 1.92 EBIO-3:HSA. The coupling efficiency
was somewhat lower than for the SNAFL/HSA conjugates of Example 4
(the 20:1 conjugate had 11.2 fluors/HSA and the 5:1 offering had
4.1 fluors/HAS). The EDC coupling method was suitably efficient and
reproducible.
[0263] Method B. A 0.1 M solution of EDC (Sigma/Aldrich Chemical
Co., St. Louis, Mo.) is prepared by dissolving 6.0 mg of EDC in
0.194 mL of DMF and 0.118 mL of 50 mM PBS (pH 7.4). 3.0 mg of
EBIO-3 acid (Nanogen, Bothell, Wash.) is dissolved in 0.306 mL of
DMF to give a 20 mM solution. The two solutions are combined in the
EBIO-3 solution container and incubated at room temperature for one
hour in the dark. 75.0 mg (1 micromole) of liquid recombinant HSA
(rHSA) from yeast (Delta Biotechnology, Ltd., Nottingham, UK) is
mixed with 7.5 mL of pH 8.5 sodium bicarbonate in a 15 mL conical
tube. The entire contents of the EBIO-3/EDC solution are combined
with the rHSA solution and incubated at room temperature in the
dark for 15-20 hours. The rHSA/EBIO-3 conjugate is purified using
the Amicon stirred ultrafiltration cell system and a YM10 membrane
(Millipore, Bedford, Mass.). A 50 mM PBS (pH 7.4) is used as the
wash solution. After purification, the protein concentration of the
conjugate is measured using the BCATM Protein Assay (Pierce,
Rockford, Ill.). An aliquot of the conjugate is diluted to 1 mg/mL
with 50 mM PBS (pH 7.4) based on its BCA determined protein
concentration. The 1 mg/mL aliquot of conjugate, the last
milliliter of PBS effluent, an aliquot of the 50 mM PBS (pH 7.4),
and an aliquot of the EB3 Standard (15 mM EBIO-3 solution in DMF
and 50 mM PBS (pH 7.4)) are analyzed via an absorbance scan
utilizing Bio-Tek's Synergy HT plate reader. The scan is taken on
300 microliters of each of the above mentioned samples in a black,
96-well, clear, flat bottom plate, scanned from 450 nm to 650 nm.
Their max peaks are recorded and used to determine purity and
quality of the conjugate.
Example 2
Immobilization of Representative Fluorophore-Protein Conjugates:
EBIO-3/HSA
[0264] Spotting Immobilization Method. EBIO-3/HSA conjugate was
prepared as described in Example 1 at a ratio of 2:1.
Nitrocellulose membranes were obtained from Schleicher and Schuell
under the trade name PROTRAN. The discs were treated in the same
way as the general immobilization method described in Example 14
using a 4 mg/mL solution of EBIO-3/HSA.
[0265] Soaking Immobilization Method. EBIO-3/HSA conjugate was
prepared as described in Example 1 at a ratio of 2:1. Mixed ester
nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate membranes were obtained from
Millipore under the product series TF. The EBIO-3/HSA conjugate is
diluted to 0.2 mg/mL and 45 mL is added to a 9 cm disc of the
membrane. The disc is agitated overnight at room temperature and
protected from light. The unbound conjugate is removed and the disc
is washed with two 1 hour washes and one overnight wash all with
agitation. The disc is then desiccated and stored dry. Smaller
discs are punched from the 9 cm disc for studies.
Example 3
The Manufacture of a Vessel Incorporating a Representative
Substrate-Immobilized Fluorescent Species
[0266] PVC material is compounded with a number of additives, for
example, plasticizers, stabilizers, and lubricants. The formulation
is used for making bags and tubes. The compounded PVC is extruded
through a die or calendared in a press for converting the
plasticized material into sheet form. The extruded sheet, after
slitting, is cut into the desired size and sent to the welding
section. The donor and transfer tubings are made by extrusion of
similar PVC compounds. The tubes are then cut to the appropriate
length and sent to the welding section. The components, such as
transfusion ports, needle covers, and clamp, are produced by
injection molding. The components are ultrasonically cleaned and
dried in a drying oven.
[0267] Welding. The blood bags are fabricated by a high frequency
welding technique. Sized PVC sheets are placed between electrodes
and high frequency at high voltage is applied. PVC gets heated very
rapidly and sealing takes place between electrodes.
[0268] Transfusion ports and donor and transfer tubing are kept in
the appropriate position with the bag and welded to form an
integral part of the blood bag system. For the manufacture of a
vessel incorporating a representative substrate-immobilized
fluorescent species, an open tube is welded to provide port 510A.
The tube can be made of colored PVC to provide light protection for
the immobilized fluorescent species. Welded bags are trimmed. The
port assembly 232 (FIG. 22) is manufactured from injection molded
Lexan parts (205 and 235) and a 3.53 mm (9/64 inch) diameter
nitrocellulose disc with immobilized fluorescent species (220). The
port assembly is held together by friction fit or can be glued in
place. The port assembly is inserted in the open tube of port 510A.
The port assembly is held in the port y friction fit or can be
glued in place. The assembled bag and port assembly is sterilized
and labeled for ultimate storage of platelet concentrates.
Example 4
The Incorporation of a Representative Substrate-Immobilized
Fluorescent Species into a Sealed Vessel
[0269] The port assembly is manufactured from injection molded
Lexan parts and a 3.53 mm (9/64 inch) diameter nitrocellulose disc
with immobilized fluorescent species. The port assembly is held
together by friction fit or can be glued in place. The port
assembly is inserted through the septum seal inside port 510A by
puncturing the seal with the spiked tip. Alternatively, the seal
can be pre-punctured with a separate spike tool. The insertion of
the port assembly can be performed on either empty or platelet
filled bags, but in either case, aseptic methods should be used to
avoid possible contamination of the bag contents. The port assembly
is held in the port y friction fit or can be glued in place. The
vessel remains sealed (leakproof) after insertion of the port
assembly in the port.
Example 5
Assembly of Inserts and Bags
[0270] The methods described in Examples 3 and 4, above, were
followed with the following exceptions: an altered version of the
injection molded insert tip 235, shown in FIG. 22, was used. After
friction fit assembly, the shaft, tip and membrane disc were pushed
into an opaque blue sleeve of PVC tubing (Natvar, City of Industry,
Calif., durometer 80 Shore A, dimensions=ID 0.216'', OD 0.291'', L
1.15'') until the flange contacted the tubing. The prongs just
reach the other end of the tubing. This friction fit assembly was
fit inside the assembled large bag as shown in FIG. 1.
[0271] Assembly of inserts into bags. The bags were welded with
large diameter PVC tubing (inner diameter slightly smaller than the
outer diameter of the blue insert assembly, 1/4 inch shorter than
the blue insert assembly). The blue insert assembly was held into
the larger diameter PVC tube in the bag by friction fit or by
solvent welding with cyclohexanone. The blue sleeve protrudes from
the flush cut bag tubing by 1/4 inch, thus providing a space for
the "clip" on the instrument.
[0272] Preparation of Small Bags.
[0273] Method A. The small bag shape shown in FIG. 2 was welded
from previously assembled large bags (with no inserts or twist off
sample ports). One of the tubing ports for the sample ports is
discarded along with much of the citrate PVC film. The blue pH
reading insert assembly, pigtail tubing and sample ports were
carefully assembled with cyclohexanone solvent welding and packaged
for sterilization.
[0274] Method B. Two sheets of breathable citrate PVC film
(Solvey-Draka) are RF welded together using a steel tool that
contacts the film in the outer shape of the bag in FIG. 2. PVC
tubes on steel rods are also placed between the two layers of the
film before the RF welding. This forms a leak proof seal with the
tubes and film. After the RF welding the steel rods are removed so
that twist off ports, pigtails and sensors can be placed in the PVC
tubes. These features are solvent bonded or fixed in another way
into the tubes.
[0275] Ethylene Oxide Sterilization of bag/insert assembly. The
bags were individually wrapped and sterilized using a standard
ethylene oxide cycle used for other platelet storage bags. The
overwrapped bags were packaged in boxes and unwrapped just prior to
use.
Example 6
Protocol Description for Large Bag pH and Platelet Health
[0276] An in vitro evaluation of PCs during storage in
representative large and small platelet storage containers with
integrated pH probes was performed. The evaluation determined that
the integrated pH device had no negative impacts on in vitro
quality of platelets during storage, either during storage in
standard platelet containers or during storage in down-scaled
containers for research purposes. The following example refers to
the data presented in FIGS. 3-7.
[0277] Platelet Storage Containers
[0278] A. 4 large experimental PVC-citrate storage containers (lot
number m4340) with integrated pH probe (for storage of about 300 mL
PC), ETO sterilized.
[0279] B. 4 large approved PVC-citrate storage containers (brand
Fresenius, T2110, batch H10211011) (for storage of about 300 mL
PC), steam sterilized.
[0280] C. 4 small experimental PVC-citrate containers with
integrated pH probe (for storage of about 17 mL PC), ETO
sterilized.
[0281] D. 4 small PVC-DEHP (so-called buffy coat bags; 100-150 mL
nominal volume), steam sterilized.
[0282] All other materials are standard materials used by the
Sanquin Blood Centre Region North West for blood collection and by
the SR-BTT laboratory for blood processing and testing.
[0283] A representative system of the invention (serial number
PH05100007, firmware version 2.00, Blood Cell Storage, Inc.,
Seattle, Wash.) was used for non-invasive fluorescence measurements
of the storage containers with integrated pH probes. For the data
presented in FIGS. 3-10 and 16, each bag was positioned on a
representative system (device) of the invention and the fluorescent
ratio was determined from which pH was calculated.
Readings/samplings were done at 4 hours post set-up then every 6-12
hours later over a period of 7 to 11 days. The volume in the small
storage containers was to about 15 mL.
[0284] The first two PC were combined, and then two small bags were
filled with each about 15 mL, followed by distribution of the
remaining volume in two equal volumes over the two types of large
storage containers.
[0285] In order to ascertain a good starting quality of the
platelets, a measurement of CD62P expression on day 1 of storage
was included.
[0286] The number of platelets positive for PAC-1 (fibrinogen
binding site on glycoprotein IIb/IIIa) was not determined, because
the test was shown to be influenced by the presence of plasma.
[0287] Blood Collection
[0288] Standard blood collection systems (manufactured by Fresenius
HemoCare, Emmer-Compascuum, the Netherlands) were filled with
approximately 500 mL of blood during blood collection at the
Sanquin Blood Centre Region NorthWest (Sanquin Blood Supply
Foundation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands) from non-enumerated,
informed donors. The day of blood collection was designated as day
0 of the study.
[0289] Blood collections were performed under standard conditions,
with the aid of calibrated blood collection balances equipped with
a mixing platform allowing mixing at regular intervals, monitoring
of blood flow and bleeding time, a final check of the weight of the
donation and cooling of the blood to 20.degree. C. immediately
after collection. At least 40 donations (20 from A-Rh(+) and 20
from 0-Rh(+) donors) meeting the criteria of volume (500 .+-.50 mL
of blood) and bleeding time (<15 min) were selected by the Blood
Centre for further processing to plasma, red cell concentrate in
SAG-Mannitol and buffy coat 12 to 16 h after the blood collection
(on day 1 of the study). After centrifugation and Compomat G4
separation of the whole blood, at least 40 buffy coats were
delivered to the BTT laboratory. In addition, per set of 5 buffy
coats a plasma unit from one of the corresponding 5 donations was
delivered.
[0290] Preparation of Pooled Platelet Concentrates
[0291] The 40 buffy coats were used to prepare 6 pools, each
consisting of 5 buffy coats and one unit of plasma. Pools consist
of units of the same blood group. From these buffy coat pools,
platelet concentrates were prepared after a second centrifugation
step (Hettich Roto Silenta/RP, 5 min at 1700 rpm, 905.times.g,
brake 3). Conditions for these separations are selected in such a
way that from each pool of buffy coats a platelet concentrate (PC)
of .+-.320 mL volume with 1-1.5.times.10e9 platelets/mL and a
leukocyte contamination of less than 50.times.10e7 leukocytes per
concentrate was obtained. During preparation of PC from the pooled
buffy coats, the concentrates are filtered over a Compostop CS
leukoreduction filter (Fresenius Hemocare, 50cm.sup.2, T3995) with
a large PVC-citrate container connected to the outlet of the
filter. For 4 PC this container was container A and for 4 PC this
was container B (see Materials and Instruments; A and B were
matched for blood group).
[0292] Pooling and Splicing of Platelet Concentrates
[0293] After preparation, a PC in container A was combined with a
PC in container B (blood group matched) and after mixing two times
15 mL was transferred to a container C and a container D.
Subsequently, the remaining volume was redistributed over the A and
B containers in such a way that the volume was equal.
[0294] Storage of Platelet Concentrates
[0295] The filtered PC were stored for 8 days after preparation at
22.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. horizontally shaking with 1 cycle per
minute. Samples were taken under aseptic conditions after 1, 2, 3,
6, 7 and 8 days of storage (meaning day 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9 of PC
shelf-life) and analyzed for various platelet quality
parameters.
[0296] Measurements
[0297] The following features of platelet quality were
measured:
[0298] 1. Morphological parameters (measured after 3 days, 6 days
and 8 days of storage). The morphological parameters involve the
screening of the swirling (resulting in a swirling score) and the
microscopic characterization of the different forms of platelets,
i.e. discoid, discoid with dendrites, balloons or spheres,
resulting in a so-called Kunicki score.
[0299] 2. Physical changes (measured after preparation and after 1,
2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 days). The physical changes are characterized by
measurements of the pH, P(O.sub.2) and P(CO.sub.2) and the number
of leukocytes (counted at day 0) and the number of platelets.
[0300] 3. Changes in activation degree (measured after 3 days, 6
days and 8 days). The changes in degree of activation were measured
with a monoclonal antibody, directed against activation-dependent
antigen CD62P. Also the percentage of platelets expressing
phosphatidyl-serine (PS, measured with AnnexinV) was
determined.
[0301] 4. Metabolic changes (measured after 3 days, 6 days and 8
days). The metabolic changes are characterized by the intracellular
amount of adenine nucleotides, the extracellular concentration of
glucose and lactate and the mitochondrial membrane potential (as
measured with JC-1).
[0302] At the end of the storage period, the platelet concentrates
in the large containers were checked for sterility.
[0303] A. Composition of the Platelet Concentrates.
[0304] During preparation of the platelet concentrates from the
pooled buffy coats, no deviations from normal procedures were
observed, with a filtration time over the in-line filter of about 6
min. The eight leukodepleted products were used to prepare 4 pools,
which were subsequently distributed over the small containers (type
C and D, each 15 mL) and the large containers (type A and B, about
300 mL each). Table 2 shows that the PC in type A and type B
containers were very similar. After leukoreduction, the number of
leukocytes was well below 1.times.10.sup.6 in all units (as
determined by fluorescent Nageotte counting, with for every sample
0 counted). The total number of platelets in each pool exceeded
300.times.10.sup.9, and these numbers meet the requirements of the
Council of Europe for leukocyte depleted PC.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Composition of the platelet concentrates
Type A Type B Volume PC mL 313 .+-. 5.8 308 .+-. 6.2 Platelet conc.
.times.10.sup.9/mL 1172 .+-. 58.0 1172 .+-. 58.0 Total platelets
.times.10.sup.9 367 .+-. 16.8 361 .+-. 18.3 Total WBC
.times.10.sup.6 0.10 .+-. 0.08 0.09 .+-. 0.07 Values given are the
mean .+-. SD of 4 concentrates.
[0305] B. Change in Morphological Parameters.
[0306] The viability of platelets after transfusion correlates
fairly well with platelet morphology. The most discoid platelets
have the best in vivo survival, whereas spherical platelets perform
much less. A morphological index was introduced by Kunicki to
predict viability of platelets after transfusion. The number of
discs identified in a 100 cell count of fixed platelets under the
microscope is multiplied by 4, spheres by 2, platelets with
dendrites by 1, and balloons by 0, resulting in a maximal score of
400 for perfect discoid platelets.
[0307] The morphology scores and the percentage discoid platelets
during storage of the PC pools are depicted in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 MORPHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF PLATELET
CONCENTRATES DURING STORAGE Day 4 of Day 7 of Day 9 of shelf-life
shelf-life shelf-life Bag Kunicki % Kunicki % Kunicki % type score
discoid score discoid score discoid A Mean 295 50 279 44 248 31 SD
20.4 8.2 11.8 4.8 8.7 2.5 B Mean 288 46 263 38 228 24 SD 22.5 9.5
15.5 6.5 8.7 2.5 C Mean nd nd 268 39 nd nd SD nd nd 5.0 2.5 nd nd D
Mean nd nd 263 36 Nd nd SD nd nd 17.1 8.5 Nd nd Values given are
the mean .+-. SD of 4 concentrates. Days indicate the number of
days after blood collection (day 0). nd: not determined.
[0308] The first measurement, after 3 days of storage (day 4 of PC
shelf-life indicated in the table), indicates a high quality of the
platelets. During further storage the morphology score remains
high, with only minimal differences between the two types of large
containers tested. Also the values for the small containers, only
determined on day 7, were very similar, indicating also good
storage characteristics for these small containers.
[0309] Another method to judge morphology of platelets is the
observation of the swirling pattern in the storage bag. The
"silk-like" patterns are observed visually, after brief squeezing
of the bag and the degree of inhomogeneity is scored according to
the following scale:
[0310] 3. Swirling inhomogeneity throughout the whole bag, with
contrast observable as fine detail
[0311] 2. Swirling inhomogeneity visible throughout the whole bag
with good contrast
[0312] 1. Some inhomogeneity visible, but only in a few places and
with poor contrast
[0313] 0. Turbid homogeneity, no effect of squeezing.
[0314] With this method for freshly prepared platelet concentrates
a score is obtained of 3, whereas after storage for 6 days the
score should be above 2.
[0315] Table 2A shows that during storage for up to 8 days (day 9
of shelf-life) the score in the large containers was above 2, with
minimal differences between the two tested types of container. In
the small containers the score was above 2 till day 6, whereas the
swirling score was slightly lower in the small PVC-DEHP bag
compared to the small PVC-citrate bag.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Swirling scores of platelet concentrates
during storage Type day 2 day 4 day 7 day 8 day 9 Mean A 3.0 2.6
2.5 2.4 2.1 SD 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.3 Mean B 3.0 2.8 2.2 2.2 2.3 SD
0.0 0.2 0.3 0.1 0.2 Mean C 3.0 2.8 2.4 2.4 2.2 SD 3.0 0.2 0.1 0.1
0.1 Mean D 3.0 2.9 2.0 1.9 1.6 SD 3.0 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 Values given
are the mean .+-. SD of 4 concentrates. Days indicate the number of
days after blood collection (day 0). nd: not determined.
[0316] C. Change in Physical Parameters.
[0317] When during storage of platelets the pH falls below 6.7
(measured at 37.degree. C.), disc-to-sphere transformation occurs
and morphology of the platelets becomes worse. This change becomes
irreversible when the pH falls below 6.5 and therefore, at the end
of storage, CE requirements prescribe a pH between 6.6 and 7.2
(measured at 37.degree. C.) or between 6.8 and 7.4 (measured at
22.degree. C.). The pH values during storage in the large
containers type A and B and the values for pCO.sub.2, pO.sub.2 and
bicarbonate are given in Table 3a. During storage the pH remains
above 6.9 during 8 days (=9 days of shelf-life), with only minimal
differences between the two container types tested. In the small
containers (type C and D) the pH was only measured on day 6 of
storage. Compared to the large containers the pH was slightly lower
on this day, indicating slightly worse storage conditions in the
small containers. pCO.sub.2 and pO.sub.2 showed the normal pattern
during storage of platelet concentrates.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Physical parameters during storage Shelf- pH
at 37.degree. C. pCO.sub.2 pO.sub.2 HCO.sub.3.sup.- life type mean
SD Mean SD mean SD mean SD Day 1 A 7.058 0.023 66.5 2.1 156.0 2.7
18.3 0.5 B 7.058 0.023 66.5 2.1 156.0 2.7 18.3 0.5 Day 2 A 7.196
0.013 43.8 0.5 80.6 6.6 16.6 0.5 B 7.173 0.008 46.7 0.5 65.8 10.5
16.8 0.4 Day 3 A 7.229 0.019 36.5 1.8 87.4 7.3 14.9 0.7 B 7.200
0.006 39.1 1.6 73.2 4.7 14.9 0.7 Day 4 A 7.229 0.010 33.4 0.6 84.3
8.8 13.6 0.4 B 7.190 0.008 36.2 2.1 65.6 5.2 13.5 0.6 Day 7 A 7.095
0.018 30.2 1.5 98.4 6.1 9.1 0.7 B 7.077 0.010 32.1 1.7 84.6 5.6 9.2
0.3 Day 7 C 7.052 0.089 19.5 1.3 153.4 7.7 0.8 5.4 D 6.900 0.054
41.1 3.1 117.5 13.2 1.0 7.9 Day 8 A 7.013 0.025 29.1 1.2 110.2 10.3
7.3 0.6 B 7.004 0.006 31.3 0.9 91.3 4.1 7.6 0.2 Day 9 A 6.921 0.027
30.1 1.7 107.4 4.5 6.1 0.7 B 6.935 0.007 31.4 0.8 90.0 4.2 6.5 0.2
Values given are the mean .+-. SD of 4 concentrates. Days indicate
the number of days after blood collection (day 0).
[0318] During storage in the large containers the platelet
concentration showed only minimal variation during storage, whereas
for the small containers about 5% decrease was found at day 7
(Table 3b).
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Platelet concentration during storage bag
type day 1 day 3 day 4 day 7 day 8 Mean A 1172 1215 1221 1219 1233
SD 58.0 68.9 55.1 67.1 79.3 Mean B 1202 1226 1250 1182 SD 69.1 65.5
64.9 46.0 Mean C 1163 SD 109.0 Mean D 1137 SD 83.3 Values given are
the mean .+-. SD of 4 concentrates. Days indicate the number of
days after blood collection (day 0).
[0319] D. Changes in Metabolic Parameters During Storage.
[0320] The glucose concentration measured after 1 day of storage
(day 2 of PC shelf-life) was similar as observed in most other
studies with storage in plasma.
[0321] Glucose consumption during storage was also similar as
previously observed (about 6 mM in 5 days) with a concomitant
increase of lactate of about 10 mM, indicating a major role for
aerobic glycolysis in glucose consumption. Hardly any differences
were found between the tested types of large containers. The values
for the small containers were also very similar, but the results
indicated slightly more glucose consumption in the small containers
compared to the large containers.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Glucose and lactate in supernatants of PC's
during storage Day 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 Bag A glucose 20.7 20.0 18.8 17.3
14.1 13.7 10.4 lactate D 6.6 7.9 10.1 10.2 17.0 18.1 19.1 Bag B
glucose 20.7 20.3 19.2 17.7 14.3 14.2 11.0 lactate D 6.6 8.3 10.4
10.2 16.3 17.3 17.4 Bag C glucose 20.7 12.1 lactate D 6.6 21.3 Bag
D glucose 20.7 13.1 lactate D 6.6 18.3 Values given are the mean
.+-. SD of 4 concentrates, paired study.
[0322] The metabolic state of platelets is well characterized by
the intracellular amounts of nucleotides on the various days. A
correlation between ATP content and in vitro survival was found by
Holme et al. Platelets contain two pools of nucleotides, a
metabolic pool with an ATP:ADP ratio of about 10, and a storage
pool (in the dense granules) with an ATP:ADP ratio of about 1,
resulting in an overall ratio of about 2 in a total platelet
extract. It was found in earlier studies that during storage the
storage pool is depleted in favor of the metabolic pool, reflected
by a slightly increased ATP/ADP ratio.
[0323] The results for the nucleotide analyses (Table 9) showed no
differences between the two tested containers and overall the
results are similar to results found with other studies using the
B-type container at SR-BTT. The results for the small containers at
day 7 (not shown) were very similar to the data found at day 7 for
the large containers.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Nucleotide content in PC's during storage
units day 4 day 7 day 9 A-series ATP pmol/10.sup.6 51.4 .+-. 1.22
46.4 .+-. 4.83 41.9 .+-. 1.72 ADP pmol/10.sup.6 27.7 .+-. 1.00 22.7
.+-. 2.25 19.2 .+-. 0.86 AMP pmol/10.sup.6 4.3 .+-. 0.31 3.1 .+-.
0.45 2.8 .+-. 0.20 ATP:ADP 1.85 .+-. 0.02 2.04 .+-. 0.01 2.19 .+-.
0.09 B-series ATP pmol/10.sup.6 51.2 .+-. 4.04 45.1 .+-. 1.37 42.1
.+-. 2.00 ADP pmol/10.sup.6 27.4 .+-. 2.61 21.4 .+-. 1.04 18.4 .+-.
0.86 AMP pmol/10.sup.6 3.5 .+-. 0.32 3.6 .+-. 1.20 2.6 .+-. 0.24
ATP:ADP 1.87 .+-. 0.03 2.11 .+-. 0.06 2.28 .+-. 0.07 Values given
are the mean .+-. SD of 4 concentrates, paired study.
[0324] The mitochondrial membrane potential (.DELTA..PSI.) was
measured with the fluorescent dye JC-1. This dye accumulates in the
mitochondrial matrix in response to the membrane potential across
the mitochondrial inner membrane and, above a critical
concentration, J-aggregates are formed which show a red shift in
emission characteristics as compared to the monomeric state.
Therefore, the ratio of red (FL2) over green (FL1) fluorescence as
measured in the flow cytometer is an indicator for the
.DELTA..PSI., with a high value indicating active mitochondria and
a lower value indicative for mitochondrial damage. Table 10 shows
that the FL2/FL1 ratio starts high on day 2 and remains high during
storage, with only minimal differences between the two types of
containers tested.
[0325] E. Change in Membrane Characteristics of the Platelets.
[0326] Changes in cell surface antigens are indicative for the
degree of activation of platelets during storage of PC's at room
temperature. These so-called activation antigens can be detected
with monoclonal antibodies (MAb). In this study we used an antibody
against CD62P. In resting platelets, the CD62P antigen is only
present in the membranes of a-granules, whereas after activation
this antigen is also expressed on the cell membrane.
[0327] Results for Large Containers
[0328] Table 10 shows the changes in expression (percentage
positive cells) for CD62P from day 2 to day 9 of the PC shelf-life.
The results show a moderate degree of activation, as is observed in
all studies on platelet storage, whereas there are minimal
differences between the two types of large containers tested.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Changes in cell surface markers and JC-1
during storage of PC's CD62P AnnexinV JC-1 Series mean % SD mean %
SD mean ratio SD Day 2 B 7.6 1.0 nd Nd Day 4 A 11.2 1.4 7.3 0.9 2.9
0.5 Day 4 B 10.9 1.4 6.6 0.9 3.0 0.3 Day 7 A 13.2 1.4 14.2 1.6 3.2
0.3 Day 7 B 12.5 1.9 14.8 1.2 3.0 0.2 Day 9 A 19.9 2.0 16.7 2.2 3.0
0.2 Day 9 B 16.7 1.7 17.3 1.6 2.8 0.2 Values given are the mean
.+-. SD of 4 concentrates (paired study); %: percentage positive
platelets.
[0329] In addition to the measurement of the cell surface
expression of the CD62P antigen, the percentage of cells expressing
phosphatidyl-serine (PS) was measured. Under normal conditions
platelets exhibit an asymmetric distribution of phospholipids in
the membrane. The choline-containing phospholipids, phosphatidyl
choline and sphingomyelin, predominantly reside in the outer
leaflet, while the aminophospholipids, phosphatidyl-ethanolamine
(PE) and PS, are found mainly in the inner leaflet. PS-exposure can
be measured with Annexin-V and a high expression is generally
thought to be a signal for removal of cells from the circulation.
Table 6a shows the percentage of platelets positive for Annexin-V
binding on the various days during storage, indicating that
initially a very low percentage of cells are positive for
PS-exposure. During storage some increase is found, but the mean
value at day 9 is still low, indicating a good in vitro quality.
Moreover, the values found for the two types of container tested
are very similar in the paired study.
[0330] Results for Small Containers
[0331] Table 11 shows the changes in expression (percentage
positive cells) for CD62P from day 2 to day 7 of the PC shelf-life
for the two types of small containers tested. The results show a
moderate degree of activation, slightly higher than that observed
on day 7 in the large containers. Only minimal differences were
seen between the small PVC-citrate bag with a representative probe
(type C) and the small PVC-DEHP bag (type D). The JC-1 ratio on day
7 was similar to that found in the large containers.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Changes in cell surface markers and JC-1
during storage of PC's CD62P AnnexinV JC-1 Series mean % SD Mean %
SD mean ratio SD Day 2 B 11.6 14.4 Nd nd Day 7 C 17.6 1.5 16.8 1.6
3.2 0.3 Day 7 D 18.5 1.2 16.3 3.8 3.6 0.5 Mean .+-. SD for n = 4,
paired study.
[0332] F. Sterility at the of the Storage Period.
[0333] At the end of the storage period of 14 days (after day 9
some non-invasive fluorescent measurements were performed,
separately reported), one PC (2A) was found to be positive after
direct seeding in soybean-casein hydrolysate or fluid thioglycolate
as substrate and incubation at 20-25.degree. C. respectively
30-32.degree. C., according to CLB protocol M 139 (title "Onderzoek
op steriliteit"). Upon looking back to the individual data there
was no reason to exclude 2A from the data set, most probably this
was a contamination introduced in the final days of storage, due to
the frequent sampling for blood gasses (normally the sample site
coupler is used 3-4 times during a study, this study up to 10
times).
[0334] Conclusions
[0335] The platelet concentrates met the requirements of the
research protocol and those of the European guidelines.
[0336] During storage under standard blood bank conditions, only
minimal differences were found between the storage in the
representative container compared to the control Fresenius
container (both PVC-citrate, paired study with full-scale platelet
concentrates in plasma).
[0337] During storage under standard blood bank conditions, the
various measured in vitro parameters for both types of large
containers tested, were similar to values observed in earlier
platelet storage studies.
[0338] The values for the in vitro quality parameters at the end of
study (8 days of storage, 9 days of shelf-life) predicted a good in
vivo recovery and survival at the end of maximal (7 days)
shelf-life.
[0339] Overall, the results of the present study indicate no
harmful effect induced by the tested representative platelet
storage containers with integrated pH probe.
[0340] The analysis of in vitro parameters on day 6 of storage in
the small containers indicated that the storage conditions for the
down-scaled approach were slightly worse than in the full-scale
study. Therefore, it would be better to reduce the stored volume in
the small containers to 13-14 mL, in order to mimic the full-scale
conditions more closely.
Example 7
[0341] Bacterial Strains. The data in FIGS. 9 and 10 were obtained
by measuring various parameters of PC samples inoculated with
bacteria. Bacterial strains were cultivated from -80.degree. C.
frozen stocks by two consecutive overnight passages at 37.degree.
C. on 5% blood agar (PML, Wilsonville, Oreg.). All strains used
were received as Microbiologics Kwik-Stiks purchased from PML
except the Escherichia coli strain (CFT073) which was received from
Dr. S. Mosely at the University of Washington, Seattle, Wash. The
American Type Culture Collection strains used are Staphylococcus
aureus ATCC 29213, Klebsiella oxytoca ATCC 43863, K. pneumoniae
ATCC 13882, Serratia marcescens ATCC 43861 and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa ATCC 27853. All strains except the E. coli were
conditioned in plasma over three serial passages with incubation at
22.degree. C. than frozen at -80.degree. C.
[0342] Processing and inoculation of bacterial strains. The small
platelet storage bag depicted in FIG. 2 was used for the bag
tracking studies. A sampling port (Baxter Healthcare Corp.,
Deerfield, Ill.) is placed in each bag. Using a 20 mL syringe
(Becton Dickinson ((BD)), Franklin Lakes, N.J.) and a 22G needle
(BD), approximately 13-14 mL of platelet concentrate (PC) is
removed from the apheresis unit received from Puget Sound Blood
Center and aseptically transferred to the small bag for use as a
normal or spiked sample. Underfilled samples were prepared with
only 7 mL of PC. The inoculum for the spiked bags is obtained from
an overnight subculture on blood agar of the desired strain at
37.degree. C. without CO.sub.2. A suspension of bacteria in sterile
saline is adjusted to the turbidity of a 0.5 McFarland Standard
which is roughly equivalent to 1E8 CFU/mL. This suspension is
further diluted in sterile saline and spiked into the prepared bags
to give a final concentration of approximately 10, 100 or 1000
CFU/mL.
[0343] Sampling for Analysis by Bayer Blood Gas Analyzer and
One-Touch Ultra Glucose Meter. Following transfer of PC and spiking
of bacteria, small bags were placed in the Helmer incubator/shaker
at 22.degree. C. for 4 hours of equilibration. After initial
equilibration the bags were removed, the sampling port was cleansed
with 95% ethanol and a sample was removed using a 1 mL syringe (BD)
with 22G needle. The sample was divided between culture for CFU/mL,
glucose meter and blood gas analyzer (Bayer
[0344] RapidLab model number 348. Bacterial spiked bags required a
sample of .about.0.4 mL for testing. Bags presumed to be sterile
(normal or underfilled) required a sample of .about.0.25 mL for
testing as sterility checks were done instead of CFU/mL
determinations.
[0345] CFU/mL determinations were performed by serial dilution (1
in 10) of 0.1 mL platelets. The amount plated on Tryptic Soy Agar
(PML) was 0.1 mL platelets (and/or dilutions thereof), utilizing
.about.0.2 mL of sample. Plates were incubated at 37.degree. C.,
colonies were enumerated after 24 hours and CFU/mL were calculated.
The limit of quantitation is 10 CFU/mL. One drop of PC on sheep
blood agar was used as a sterility check with the plates incubated
at 37.degree. C. for at least 4 days.
[0346] Approximately 0.15 mL of the sample was used for pH blood
gas analysis (Bayer 348, Bayer HealthCare, Norwood, Mass.). Samples
were run immediately after dispensing the amount necessary for
CFU/mL or sterility determinations. Readings for pH, pCO.sub.2 and
pO.sub.2 were obtained.
[0347] Glucose was determined utilizing the OneTouch Ultra meter
and test strips (Lifescan, Milpitas, Calif.) following
manufacturer's instructions. Sample utilized per reading was less
than 10 .mu.l and results were recorded in mg/dL.
Example 8
Fluorescence and pH Properties of Representative SNAFL Analogs: pKa
Determination
[0348] Instrumentation. Fluorescence versus pH of various SNAFL
free acids were compared using an Ocean Optics USB2000 fiber optic
spectrometer and a tungsten halogen light source (part number
HL-2000 FHSA). The light source was equipped with a linear variable
filter that allowed the wavelength and shape of the excitation beam
to be adjusted. The excitation wavelength was adjusted by using a
blank cuvette to the absorbance max of the fluorophore (see Table
1). A cuvette holder (part number CUV-FL-DA) was directly attached
to the light source and a fiber optic cable directed emitted light
to the spectrometer. Excitation conditions are reported for each
fluorescence spectrum (3000 msec irradiation at the indicated
wavelength). Spectral data were collected on a personal computer
using the Ocean Optics software and overlays of different spectra
were captured.
[0349] Sample preparation. SNAFL-1 was purchased as the free
carboxylic acid from Molecular Probes in a 1 mg vial. 0.3 mL of
isopropyl alcohol and 0.7 mL of water was added to make a 1 mg/mL
solution. A molecular weight (MW) of 426 for SNAFL-1 was used to
calculate molarity (SNAFL-1 =2.35 mM). 4.25 uL of this solution was
diluted to 1 mL with various 50 mM phosphate buffers to give 10
micromolar solutions with pH 6-10. 10 micromolar solutions of
SNAFL-2 (MW=460) were prepared in a similar fashion. EBIO-1
(MW=523), EBIO-2 (MW=627), and EBIO-3 (MW=489) were obtained as
bulk compounds from Epoch Biosciences. 1.6 mg of each solid powder
was carefully weighed out and dissolved in 3.2 mL of 40% isopropyl
alcohol to give 0.5 mg/mL solutions. Emission spectra were obtained
for the various SNAFL and EBIO compounds at pH 6.0, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6,
6.8, 7.0, 8.0 and 10.0. Examples of overlayed fluorescence emission
spectra are shown in FIG. 26 (SNAFL-1) and FIG. 27 (EBIO-3). All
spectra showed an isosbestic wavelength where all emission spectra
overlap (See Table 1). This is a characteristic of ideal
ratiometric performance with no competing fluorescent structures
other than those shown above (lactone, naphthol, naphtholate).
[0350] pKa calculations. The pH at which two molecular species
(tautomers) are equally represented is defined as the pKa. There
are many variables that can affect pKa and methods for measurement
are difficult since the structures have overlapping absorbance.
Therefore direct comparisons from the literature can vary slightly.
The calculations contained herein are based on the assumption that,
at pH 10, only the trianionic naphtholate structure is present. The
intensity of fluorescence at the emission maxima is divided by 2,
and pH of the intersecting pH curve is calculated by interpolation
between the nearest 2 curves. The pKa of the 2-chloro substituted
EBIO compounds is significantly lower than the other analogs as
shown in Table 1.
Example 9
The Preparation of Representative Fluorophore-Protein Conjugates:
SNAFL-1/HSA
[0351] Human serum albumin (HSA) was purchased from Sigma (catalog
# A-8763) as 100 mg of lyophilized powder. SNAFL-1 NHS ester was
purchased from Molecular Probes as a mixture of the 5 and 6
isomers. A solution of 10 mg (0.15 micromoles) of HSA in 1 mL of pH
8.56 sodium bicarbonate (0.1 M) was prepared. A solution of 1 mL
(1.91 micromoles) of the NHS ester in 0.1 mL of dimethylsulfoxide
was prepared. 0.3 mL aliquots of the HSA solution were transferred
to a 1.6 mL Eppendorf tubes and various offering ratios of the NHS
ester solution were added: tube 1, 11.8 microliters (5
equivalents); tube 2, 23.6 microliters (10 equivalents), tube 3,
47.1 microliters (20 equivalents). The deep red solutions were
vortexed and allowed to stand in the dark for at least one hour.
The 5:1 conjugate from tube 1 was purified by gel filtration
chromatography on a 0.5.times.20 cm column packed with Sephadex
G-15 and pH 7.4 phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The conjugate was
isolated as a fast moving red/orange band in PBS and diluted to
0.75 mL with PBS to give a 4 mg/mL solution of the protein
conjugate. Most of the color eluted with the conjugate, but some
small molecular weight (orange) impurities remained on top of the
column. The column was clean enough to be re-used for purification
of the 10:1 and 20:1 conjugates. Each was eluted in
[0352] PBS and diluted to 0.75 mL to give .about.4 mg/mL solutions
(60 micromolar based on HSA component). The red solutions were
stored refrigerated and protected from light. 1 micromolar
solutions of each SNAFL-1/HSA conjugate were prepared and analyzed
by UV-vis spectra using a Beckman DU640B spectrometer. Each
spectrum showed absorbance maxima at 490 and 521 nm at pH 7 as
expected for the acid form of SNAFL-1 conjugates. The relative
absorbance showed the expected change in absorbance with different
SNAFL:HSA offering ratio. A 10 micromolar solution of SNAFL-1 acid
(obtained from Molecular Probes) at pH 7 was used as a standard to
more accurately determine the average loading of SNAFL-1 per each
HSA conjugate preparation. Using this assay, the 5:1 conjugate had
4.1 fluors/HSA, the 10:1 conjugate had 6.4 fluors/HSA, and the 20:1
conjugate had 11.2 fluors /HSA.
Example 10
The Fluorescent Properties of Representative Fluorophore-Protein
Conjugates:
SNAFL-1/HSA
[0353] Relative fluorescence of various SNAFL-1/HSA conjugates and
SNAFL-1 free acid were compared using an Ocean Optics USB2000 fiber
optic spectrometer and a tungsten halogen light source (part number
HL-2000 FHSA). The light source was equipped with a linear variable
filter that allowed the wavelength and shape of the excitation beam
to be adjusted. A cuvette holder (part number CUV-FL-DA) was
directly attached to the light source and a fiber optic cable
directed emitted light to the spectrometer. Excitation conditions
are reported for each fluorescence spectrum (3000 msec irradiation
at the indicated wavelength). Spectral data were collected on a
personal computer using the Ocean Optics software and overlays of
different spectra were captured. A comparison of various loading
levels of SNAFL-1/HSA showed that 4.1 to 1.6 SNAFL-1 molecules gave
about the same fluorescent signal. Higher loading or lower loading
conjugates gave lower signals.
[0354] Emission spectra were obtained for 10 micromolar solutions
in potassium phosphate buffer. Excitation was at 540 nm. Emission
maximum at 620 nm was observed for the base form of SNAFL-1 (pH
10). As expected, intensity of 620 nm fluorescence decreased as pH
decreased. An isosbestic point at 585 nm, where fluorescence
remained constant at all pH, was observed. Response was good at
about pH 8, but poor between pH 6-7.
[0355] Spectra obtained for a 2.5 micromolar solution of a
representative SNAFL-1/HSA conjugate (1.6 SNAFL-1/HSA) showed
improved pH response for pH 6-7 (see FIG. 29). The Ocean Optics
halogen light source was equipped with a 532 nm interference filter
(Edmund Optics, Barrington, N.J.) and this allowed the fluorescent
isosbestic point at 572 nm for pH 6-7 to be detected. Emission
maximum at 620 nm was observed for the base form of SNAFL-1 (see pH
10 curve). As expected, intensity of 620 nm fluorescence decreased
as pH decreased. In comparison to the free SNAFL-1 carboxylic acid
(see FIG. 26) improved response for pH 6-7 was observed for the HSA
conjugate. A red shift of the pH 8 and 10 curves from the
isosbestic wavelength was observed, indicative of other competing
molecular structures involving the fluorescent species. This
non-ideal behavior may be eliminated by use of a longer linker
structure or a more hydrophilic linker structure between the
fluorescent dye and the HSA spacer.
Example 11
The Fluorescent Properties of Representative Fluorophore-Protein
Conjugates: EBIO-3/HSA
[0356] Fluorescence spectra were obtained for 2.5 micromolar
solutions of the two EBIO-3/HSA conjugates prepared as described in
Example 1 (Method A). The conjugates showed improved pH response
for pH 6-7 (see FIG. 12 for overlayed spectra for the 1.92:1
EBIO-3/HSA conjugate). The Ocean Optics halogen light source was
equipped with a 532 nm bandpass filter (Edmund Optics, Barrington
N.J.) and this allowed the fluorescent isosbestic point at
.about.565 nm for pH 6-7 to be detected. Emission maximum at 605 nm
was observed for the base form of SNAFL-1 (red trace, pH 10). As
expected, intensity of 605 nm fluorescence decreased as pH
decreased. In comparison to the SNAFL-1/HSA conjugate (see FIG. 29)
improved response for pH 6-7 was observed for the EBIO-3/HSA
conjugate. A red shift of the pH 8 and 10 curves from the
isosbestic wavelength was observed, indicative of other competing
molecular structures involving the fluorescent species, but was of
smaller magnitude than for the SNAFL-1/HSA conjugate.
Example 12
Immobilization of Representative Fluorophore-Protein Conjugates:
SNAFL-1/HSA
[0357] Fluorophore-protein conjugates and fluorophore-carbohydrate
conjugates were immobilized on either nitrocellulose or capillary
pore membranes using the following general method. Fluorescein
labeled dextrans with "fixable" lysine residues were obtained from
Molecular Probes. These dextrans had a molecular weight of about
10,000 1.8 fluorophores per conjugate, and 2.2 lysines per
conjugate and are sold under the trade name "Fluoro-Emerald."
Fluorescein labeled bovine serum albumin (BSA) was also obtained
from Molecular Probes and had 4.5 fluors per conjugate. Various
SNAFL-1/HSA conjugates were prepared as described in Example 13.
Nitrocellulose membranes were obtained from Schleicher and Schuell
under the trade name PROTRAN. Pore diameter was reported as 0.2
microns. Capillary pore membranes made from polyester films were
obtained from Oxyphen in a variety of pore sizes. 0.1 micron and
1.0 micron pore size membranes were successfully used to immobilize
fluorescein dextrans. Fluorescein/dextran, fluorescein/BSA and
SNAFL-1/HSA conjugates were all successfully immobilized and the
fluorescent properties of the SNAFL-1/HSA conjugates were fully
characterized as described as follows.
[0358] General Immobilization Method. SNAFL-1/HSA (2.5 SNAFL-1/HSA)
on 0.1 micron pore diameter Oxyphen Membrane Discs. Fluorescent HSA
conjugates with a 2.5:1 SNAFL-1:HSA offering ratio were prepared as
described in Example 4 and diluted to provide concentrations of
0.05, 0.2, 1.0 and 4 mg/mL in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (pH
7.4). 5 microliter drops were applied via a 20 microliter pipettor
to the center of pre-punched porous discs (1/4 inch diameter) that
were laid on a bench top. The spotted discs were allowed to air dry
(about 30 minutes) and then placed in separate desiccators
overnight. The dried discs were washed in separate Eppendorf tubes
with 2.times.1 mL of PBS and allowed to soak overnight in 1 mL of
PBS. The washed discs were stable in PBS solution (no degradation
after 30 days). Alternatively the discs could be re-dried in
desiccators and stored dry. The wet or dry stored discs had
comparable fluorescent properties. The discs had fluorescent
signals that were proportional to the concentration of labeled
macromolecule applied to each one as measured by the fluorescence
assay described in Example 9.
Example 13
The Fluorescent Properties of Representative Immobilized
Fluorophore-Protein Conjugates:
SNAFL-1/HSA
[0359] Microwell assay of fluorescent macromolecular conjugates on
porous membrane discs using a fiber optic spectrometer. Fluorescent
discs prepared as described in Example 8 were examined for
fluorescent properties using the Ocean Optics fiber optic
spectrometer described in Example 14. The cuvette on the light
source was replaced by a fiber optic reflectance probe which had 6
excitation fibers wrapped around a single fiber that picks up the
emitted light from the sample and sends it to the spectrometer. The
reflectance probe was threaded through a hole in a
12.times.12.times.18 inch black box with a lid on the front. The
probe was clamped inside under a 1 cm square opening that allowed
the tip of the probe to be positioned under a 96-well micro well
plate (clear bottom black plate). The probe was tilted at a 30
degree angle to reduce reflected light entering the probe tip. The
fluorescent disc of interest was placed in the bottom of a well and
covered with 300 microliters of the analyte solution of interest.
The excitation light source was turned on long enough to position
the disc of interest over the tip of the reflectance probe, then
the shutter was closed and the plate was covered with another box
to shield the disc from ambient light. Unless otherwise mentioned,
the Ocean Optics software was set to collect data with a 3000 msec
integration time and 3 averages. A dark spectrum was captured with
the shutter closed and used for all background subtracted readings
during the assay. The shutter was then opened and fluorescent
reading of the disc was started. The graphical display on the
computer screen gave real-time spectra after each 3000 msec
integration time. After the required 3 spectra were obtained (about
10 seconds) the graphical display showed only subtle changes. At
this point a snapshot of the displayed spectrum was captured and
saved to disc for future processing. The shutter was closed, and
the next microwell experiment was set up. The same disc could be
measured multiple times by exchanging the analyte solution in the
microwells. Alternatively, different discs in different wells could
be measured by re-positioning the microwell plate over the
reflectance probe.
[0360] Fluorescent loading of SNAFL-1/HSA immobilized on Oxyphen
discs. The microwell assay described above was used to compare the
relative-fluorescence of SNAFL-1/HSA on Oxyphen discs. The
excitation filters in the halogen light source were set to a
wavelength of 532 nm and a "wide open" bandpass position to
maximize sensitivity of the assay. Reflectance of the excitation
beam back into the detector fiber was significant, and the
wavelength position of the filter was adjusted to provide a
"minimum" at 620 nm where the fluorescence from the base form of
SNAFL-1/HSA is greatest. The various concentrations of SNAFL-1/HSA
described in Example 16 were examined in separate microwells in pH
7 potassium phosphate buffer (50 mM) as described above. The
spectra showed the ability to distinguish relative fluorescence
intensity of 4, 1, 0.2 and 0.05 mg/mL membranes at pH 7. All had
signal greater than background.
[0361] Relative fluorescence intensity of various amounts of
SNAFL-1/HSA (2.5:1) immobilized on porous Oxyphen discs at pH 7.
The fluorescent intensity was measured at 620 nm, the fluorescent
maximum of the base form of the fluorophore. Excitation used a wide
open setting on the halogen lamp that efficiently excites both acid
and base forms of SNAFL-1. The reflected light from the source
(unmodified disc) had the lowest intensity spectrum. The spectrum
of the 0.05 mg/mL disc gave a small increase in fluorescence
intensity. The 0.2 mg/mL disc, 1 mg/mL disc, and 4 mg/mL disc
showed stepwise increases in fluorescence intensity. The
fluorescence spectra of two 30 day PBS soaked sample (1 mg/mL) from
a different batch of membranes were essentially the same and showed
that membrane loading was reproducible from batch to batch, and
that the SNAFL-1/HSA conjugates did not dissociate significantly
from the disc surface in PBS solution.
[0362] pH Dependent fluorescence of SNAFL-1/HSA immobilized on
Oxyphen discs. The 1 mg/mL SNAFL-1/HSA discs described above were
examined for pH dependent response in the microwell assay. A single
disc was examined in potassium phosphate buffers of pH 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, and 10. The data showed that these membrane discs had a wide
dynamic range of pH measurement, but had more sensitive response at
pH>6. The time between buffer exchanges was 5 min, and there was
no significant change in spectra after additional equilibration
time. This showed that the response time for even dramatic changes
in the pH environment of the immobilized SNAFL-1/HSA conjugates is
rapid.
[0363] "Crossover assay" for fluorescence measurement of pH using
SNAFL-1/HSA Oxyphen discs. The microwell assay described above was
used to examine the fluorescent isosbestic properties of the discs.
For this assay, the shutter assembly in Ocean Optics halogen light
source (part number HL-2000 FHSA) was removed, and two 532 nm
bandpass filters (Edmund Scientific) were inserted in the cavity
using a special adaptor. This dramatically reduced the reflected
background in the spectral region of interest (>550 nm). The
data shown are for 4 mg/mL loading discs prepared with SNAFL:HSA
(5:1) conjugate. The immobilized protein conjugate showed unusual
pH vs. fluorescence properties in comparison to the solution phase
data. Instead of a fluorescent isosbestic point at 575 nm, there
was a stepwise increase in the fluorescent intensity as pH
increased. The pH 10 spectrum showed the expected maximum at 620
nm, and crossed the overlaid spectral curves obtained in pH 4, 6, 7
and 8 buffers. These "crossover points" were used as the basis for
a sensitive assay to determine pH of the membrane environment.
Three different membrane discs were examined using this assay
format on three different days. The crossover points were
reproducible within 2 nm.
[0364] The 4 mg/mL discs (3.6:1 SNAFL-1:HSA) showed stepwise
increase in pH 10 "crossover." The crossover was at 579 nm for pH
4. Three discs/three different days gave the same result .+-.2 nm.
The crossover points were at 592 nm (pH 6), 600 nm (pH 7a,b), and
611 nm (pH 8). The fluorescent maximum at pH 10 was at 620 nm,
similar to the solution phase properties.
Example 14
The Fluorescent Properties of Representative Immobilized
Fluorophore-Protein Conjugates:
EBIO-3/HSA
[0365] Telescoping tubing insert assay of fluorescent
macromolecular conjugates on porous membrane discs using a fiber
optic spectrometer. Fluorescent discs prepared as described in
Example 2 were examined to relate the fluorescent properties to the
liquid phase pH using the Ocean Optics fiber optic spectrometer
described in Example 17 with the dual 532 nm filtered (Edmund
Scientific) halogen light source (part number HL-2000 FHSA). A
holder for a 5/32 inch membrane disc was crafted with 4 mm OD and 5
mm OD polystyrene telescoping tubing and an angled 0.015 in thick
polystyrene window. The angled window was placed so that it held
the membrane disc at a 60 degree angle relative to the tubing axis.
This allows the fiber optic probe to be placed in one end of the
tubing and interrogate the disc on the other side of the window
which is contact with a liquid of a certain pH. Buffers of known pH
values were placed in contact with the telescoping tubing inserts
and discs made by the spotting immobilization method in Example 2
and fluorescent emissions recorded with the Ocean Optics software
set to collect data with a 1000 msec integration time and 3
averages.
[0366] For liquids with unknown pH values, a stirred and light
protected vessel containing 5 telescoping tubing inserts and discs
made by the soaking immobilization method in Example 2, 50 mL of
buffer or plasma, and a calibrated pH electrode (ROSS
electrode/Orion 720a meter) was used to study the pH and
fluorescent response of the fluorescent discs. Drops of 1 N HCl or
1 M NaOH were added to create a range of pHs from liquids studied.
Fluorescent spectra were collected through Ocean Optics macros in
Excel set to read for 1000 msec integration time and three
averages. The spectra were analyzed using the modeled bandpass
filters and ratiometric method in Excel to obtain calibration
curves for PBS, platelet poor plasma and platelet rich plasma.
Injection molded insert PVC tube assay of fluorescent
macromolecular conjugates on porous membrane discs using a custom
optimized fluorescence based pH detector.
[0367] Injection molded polycarbonate parts were fashioned to fix
the fluorescent discs to the fluorescence pH detector probe as
pictured in FIG. 22. Membranes were prepared as described in the
soaking immobilization method in Example 2 and assembled into the
plastic insert. A 1 in long and 3/16 in ID PVC tube was placed on
the spike end of the insert such that 250 ul of liquid was placed
in the tube and covered with parafilm to slow carbon dioxide
desorption. A fluorescent measurement of the first and second
wavelengths was taken and then the pH was read by a blood gas
analyzer (Bayer 348). The pH of plasma samples were adjusted by
acid and base additions as in the telescoping tubing insert assay
to create the range of pH data.
[0368] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various
changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
* * * * *