Background

The analysis of serum and plasma samples is often complicated by hemolysis and contamination with hemoglobin released from the red blood cells. This impedes the determination of a range of plasma/serum parameters complicating diagnosis and treatment. SDU have invented a new protein affinity-based method for specific binding and removal of hemoglobin from hemolyzed blood samples without interfering with other relevant parameters for blood sample analysis. This saves time and elevates accuracy of the results of sample analyses.

Hemolysis in blood and blood samples releases compounds to the blood reducing quality of the blood sample analysis
The biggest problem is hemoglobin’s negative effect on a number of analysis performed in the clinic
2-5% of all blood samples at a standard hospital unit has hemolysis at a level, where it affects the quality of the blood sample analysis
Discarded blood samples due to hemolysis is a significant cost for the healthcare system, as new blood samples have to be taken from the patients
Removal of hemoglobin allow analysis of blood samples that would otherwise be discarded

Technology Overview

IsdH is a hemoglobin and hemoglobin-haptoglobin binding protein from a bacterium called S. aureus ()
We produce IsdH in E. coli and attach it to Sepharose (a polymer material extracted from seaweed) or magnetic beads
The beads can remove large quantities of hemoglobin from blood samples (both plasma and serum samples, )
This technology allows rescuing of blood samples that would otherwise be discarded ()
Fewer discarded blood samples means faster diagnosis of patients, better patient care and avoiding the need for taking new blood samples from patients (cost and labor intensive)
The technology is suitable for integration into automated blood sample analysis systems globally

Figure 4: Titration of hemoglobin capacity from plasma by HemoveMag Figure 5: Demonstration of HemoveMag capacity to remove hemoglobin from plasma

Stage of Development

Hemove is being tested by clinicians at Odense University Hospital
Hemove can be coupled to Sepharose beads or magnetic beads with a high density and efficiency sufficient for single sample analysis
Technology is currently being optimized for automated blood sample analysis systems using magnetic beads

Benefits

Enable analysis of blood samples with hemolysis
Potential for integration in automatic systems

Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced partner, e.g. within (magnetic) beads and/or automated blood sample analysis, to help further develop Hemove into fully automated blood sample settings

Hemove - Removing Hemoglobin from Hemolyzed Blood Samples

Patents

IP Status

Seeking