Sanquin's role in advancing blood supply and medical research
Sanquin, a cornerstone of the Dutch healthcare system, is not just a blood supply organization; it is a hub of innovation and research, dedicated to advancing the field of transfusion medicine and cell therapy. Established in 1998, Sanquin has been fundamental in ensuring a safe and efficient blood supply in the Netherlands, employing around 2,000 workers across the nation.
Leading Sanquin's research division, Gerald de Haan manages a team dedicated to enhancing blood bank services for the future. Their research spans critical areas like anemia, bleeding disorders, immunity, and cell therapy, with a clear focus on improving patient care and donor safety. Gerald outlines the significance of their work:
“Our role is essential in supporting the healthcare system. Looking forward, we explore developing blood through advanced methods, potentially reducing the reliance on donors.”
Gerald's team is exploring the use of bioreactors in cell therapy, particularly for cultivating red blood cells. The challenge lies in achieving scalability and reducing costs, with potential applications in gene therapy and production of rare blood types.
One of the researchers in Gerald 's team, Emile van den Akker, focuses on generating red blood cells from stem cells. Despite the high cost and complexity, Emile highlights the importance of bioreactors in this process, in combination with the BioSep perfusion device, crucial for efficient cell production.
“Without this combination, we would not be where we are. It allows a constant feeding of fresh media into the bioreactor and removal of spent media. It uses high frequency resonant ultrasonic waves to separate cells and thereby automatically removes cell debris, which makes it the perfect solution for continuous bioprocesses. The BioSep is a game-changer, we need it to scale up.”
Sanquin's commitment extends beyond blood supply to reshaping aspects of healthcare through research and innovation. Their work hints at a future with more sustainable blood supply methods and improved treatments for blood-related diseases.
With professionals like Gerald de Haan and Emile van den Akker, Sanquin is gradually contributing to a shift in transfusion medicine and cell therapy, aiming to impact the field positively.