Sttr phase II: a completely non-toxic blood bag that keeps blood healthier, longer

Xheme Inc. received a $1.193 million Cooperative Agreement from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) program (CFDA 47.084) awarded September 1, 2025, with completion targeted for August 31, 2027. Under this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II award, the company is developing and commercializing a completely non-toxic blood bag composed of FDA-approved, non-chlorinated polymer materials to replace conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags that contain harmful phthalate plasticizers. The deliverable addresses a critical healthcare challenge by eliminating diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)—a known carcinogen and endocrine disruptor present in up to 40% of existing blood bags—while maintaining blood storage efficacy and compatibility with existing sterilization and medical standards.

The xheme blood bag technology leverages advanced polymer engineering and materials science to achieve superior performance characteristics, including 25% lower hemolysis (red blood cell breakdown) compared to standard PVC bags, improved metabolic activity in stored blood, and extended shelf-life performance compared to industry standards. This innovation directly supports the NSF TIP program's mission to advance breakthrough technologies addressing national healthcare challenges while facilitating commercialization of emerging biomedical solutions that bridge fundamental research with practical marketplace implementation. The work is performed at Xheme Inc.'s location in Newton, Massachusetts.

Abstract

The broader impact/commercial potential of this small business technology transfer (STTR) phase II project is in replacing outdated, hazardous blood bags with a completely non-toxic alternative. Unlike conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags that contain phthalates?known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors?this new technology eliminates the need for harmful plasticizers and instead uses an FDA-approved, non-chlorinated polymer that keeps blood healthier for longer. Blood transfusions are lifesaving, crucial in surgeries, trauma care, and the treatment of blood disorders, kidney diseases, and neurological conditions. However, the industry faces an urgent challenge: existing blood bags contain up to 40% dehp plasticizer, which leaches into stored blood. While dehp helps preserve red blood cells, studies confirm its serious health risks?including links to cancer, asthma, and reproductive toxicity. Regulatory bodies worldwide recognize the danger: california proposition 65 lists dehp as a harmful substance, and although the european union planned to BAN dehp-containing blood bags in 2025, the absence of viable alternatives has delayed enforcement until july 1, 2030. This small business technology transfer (STTR) phase II project combines polymer engineering, advanced materials science, and blood biology to create a next-generation composite blood bag that meets stringent medical requirements without leaching harmful substances. The challenge is balancing blood storage efficacy with commercial-scale manufacturing?all while ensuring seamless integration with existing sterilization and medical standards. Early results are promising. In phase I testing, the xheme prototype blood bags demonstrated (a) 25% lower hemolysis (red blood cell breakdown) compared to standard PVC bags, (B) improved metabolic activity for healthier stored blood and (C) shelf-life performance exceeding industry standards. Now, phase II project is driving validation and scale-up, ensuring this breakthrough technology is ready for widespread adoption?ushering in a safer future for blood storage, medical care, and patient health worldwide. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are planned for this award.