Biotinylated Platelets: A Promising Labeling Technique?

Labeling of platelets (PLTs) is essential for research purposes, in order to measure the recovery and survival of transfused PLTs in vivo. Biotinylation is a promising new alternative to the gold standard of radioactive labeling. This review highlights 4 key publications that provide significant insights into biotin labeled PLTs (bioPLTs). Stohlawetz et al. established that transfusion of bioPLTs in human recipients is possible. De Bruin et al. developed a standardized, reproducible protocol for biotinylation of PLTs as a promising method to trace and isolate transfused PLTs in vivo, with reduced levels of PLT activation markers. Muret et al. developed a nonwashing biotin labeling method to implement in a blood bank environment. Finally, in a preclinical study, Ravanat et al. showed that different densities of biotin can be used to concurrently monitor multiple populations of human PLTs in the circulation of the same subject. These studies have made major contributions to the development of bioPLTs as a viable option for use in human research, and indicate that bioPLTs can be safely administered, preferably at a low density of biotin.& COPY; 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )

Automated summary

Labeling platelets with biotin is a promising alternative to radioactive labeling and has shown potential for use in human research. Several studies have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of using biotin labeled platelets (bioPLTs) and the ability to monitor multiple populations of platelets concurrently through different densities of biotin.