Adequate oxygen delivery to tissues is a physiological priority and clinical imperative. An abundance of haemoglobin in the circulation aims to support a sufficient convective flow of oxygen between the lungs and tissues, yet disorders of red cells (anaemias) affect over 2 billion people worldwide. However, we diagnose and treat these disorders in terms of oxygen-carrying capacity, largely because this is what haematology analysers measure. Using a microfluidic imaging technique, we showed that the oxygen release rate is also important to consider, and can become problematic in haematological diseases. Specifically, release rates become slower in stored blood which impacts transfusion outcomes. Working with clinical and industrial partners, we investigated the significance of our parameter on tissue oxygenation and designed ways of measuring it for the clinical setting. Our aim is to disseminate our kinetic parameter to improve blood banking and clinical practice.

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY

Came from Poland to study Physiological Sciences a Oxford and then a DPhil on cardiac physiology with Richard Vaughan-Jones in what was then called the University Laboratory of Physiology. He then received training from Ken Spitzer in Utah in electrophysiology, before embarking on a Royal Society University Research Fellowship which expanded his interests to cancer. He held an ERC Consolidator Award and continues to be active in the cardiac and cancer areas, focusing on pH regulation, metabolism and oxygen transport. Most recently, he developed new techniques to study red blood cells which has garnered academic, clinical and industrial interests, which is what he will talk about today.