Silk may help preserve blood samples without refrigeration

                Encapsulating blood samples in air-dried silk protein can preserve them for long periods at high temperatures without refrigeration. The technique developed at Tufts University in the US has broad applications for clinical care and research that rely on accurate analysis of blood and other bio-

fluids. The scientists successfully mixed a solution or a powder of purified silk fibroin protein extracted from silkworm cocoons with blood or plasma and sir-dried the mixture. The air-dried silk films were stored at temperatures between 22 and 45°C. at set individuals, encapsulated blood samples were recovered by dissolving the films in water and analyzed.