Acker, Jason
PhD, MBA
Senior Scientist
Canadian Blood Services
Professor
Laboratory Medicine and Pathology – University of Alberta
Education
- Master in Business Administration in Technology Commercialization, University of Alberta
- Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Sciences, University of Alberta
- Master of Science in Experimental Pathology, University of Alberta
- Bachelor of Science, University of Alberta
Related links
Blood Product Manufacturing and Quality Assessment
Our group is developing new approaches for the optimal manufacturing and storage of red blood cell components. Refrigerated storage slows down the "aging" of red blood cells by suppressing cellular functions, but unfortunately it does not completely prevent it. The decline in quality of refrigerated red blood cells is linked to changes that occur in the cell membrane. We have developed a method that uses liposomes to stabilize the membranes of stored red blood cells. Liposomes are microscopic hollow spherical fat droplets that can be manufactured easily. We are currently performing experiments in animal models to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of liposome treated red blood cells. We are also looking at other factors that may affect red blood cell quality such as the donor age and sex, blood manufacturing method, gamma-irradiation, cell washing, cryopreservation and transportation under extreme conditions.
Why is it important?
Optimizing the quality of stored red blood cells is essential to provide patients with an effective blood component. By understanding how donor factors and blood collection and manufacturing influences product quality, it allows blood operators the ability to improve the efficiency and safety of blood component manufacturing
Selected Publications
- Jordan A, Chen D, Yi Q-L, Kanias T, Gladwin MT, Acker JP: Using blood bank quality control data to analyse manufacturing and donor variability. Vox Sang 2015; In Press.
- Acker JP, Hansen AL, Yi Q-L, Sondi N, Csert-Gazdewich C, Pendergast J, Hannach B: Introduction of a closed system cell processor: Post-implementation monitoring of safety and efficacy. Transfusion 2016; doi: 10.1111/trf.13341 [Epub ahead of print].
- Acker JP: ResearchUnit: Bath time for blood cells: improving the red blood cell washing process. 2015; Transfusionmedicine.ca website.
- Hansen AL, Kurach JD, Turner TR, Jenkins C, Busch MP, Norris PJ, Dugger J, Tomasulo PA, Devine DV, Acker JP: The effect of processing method on the in vitro characteristics of red blood cell products. Vox Sang 2015; 108:350-358.
- Acker JP, Hansen AL, Kurach JD, Turner TR, Croteau I, Jenkins C: A quality monitoring program for red blood cell components: in vitro quality indicators before and after implementation of semi-automated processing. Transfusion 2014; 54: 2534-2543.
- Acker JP: ResearchUnit: Red cell irradiation - time for a change? 2014; Blood.ca website.
- Acker JP: ResearchUnit: How do Special Forces Operations access quality blood products for military personnel? 2014; Blood.ca website.
- Serrano K, Chen D, Hansen AL, Levin E, Turner TR, Kurach JD, Acker JP, Devine DV: The effect of timing of gamma-irradiation on hemolysis and potassium release in leukoreduced red cell concentrates stored in SAGM.Vox Sang 2013; 106:379-381.
Blood Cell Cryopreservation and Desiccation
Our group is interested in addressing some of the issues associated with cryopreservation and desiccation processes in the large-scale environment of a blood operator. Cryopreservation, a process whereby biological function is maintained by freezing and storing at ultra-low subzero temperatures, can be used to extend the storage time of blood cells.
Why so important?
Blood cell cryopreservation remains an expensive procedure that requires highly trained technicians and specialized equipment making it logistically prohibitive for routine use in large-scale operations. Our group is developing novel methodologies to address these challenges. Our work focuses on the development of strategies for the introduction of protective amounts of intracellular protectants into human blood cells and the effect of novel ice recrystallization inhibitors. We are also working to better understand the effects of desiccation and dry storage on red blood cell structure, function and quality. Such advances may revolutionize the way we store blood products in the future.
Selected Publications
- Capicciotti CJ, Tchir J, Turner T, Mancini RS, Acker JP, Ben RN: Small Ice Recrystallization Inhibitors Enable Freezing of Human Red Blood Cells with Reduced Glycerol Concentrations. NatSci Rep 2015; 5:9692.
- Stoll C, Holovati JL, Acker JP, Wolkers WF: Synergistic effects of liposomes, trehalose, and hydroxyethyl starch for cryopreservation of human erythrocytes. Biotechnol Prog 2012; 28:364-371.
Microfluidic Devices for Blood Testing
Our group is developing novel, cost-effective, automated devices for blood testing.
Why is it important?
his new technology has the potential to change how blood operators perform tests on blood products to ensure the safety of the blood supply and reduce the costs of tests. We use tools developed for the microelectronics industry to fabricate micro-scale devices for integrated chemical and biological processing and analysis. In particular we have developed a lab-on-chip for malaria diagnosis and surveillance.
Selected Publications
- Taylor BJ, Howell A, Martin KA, Manage DP, Gordy W, Campbell SD, Lam S, Jin A, Polley SD, Samuel RA, Atrazhev A, Stickel AJ, Birungi J, Mbonye AK, Pilarski LM, Acker JP, Yanow SK: A lab-on-chip for malaria diagnosis and surveillance. Malar J 2014; 13:179-189.
- Manage DP, Lauzon J, Atrazev A, Chavali R, Samuel RA, Chan B, Morrissey YC, Gordy W, Edwards AL, Larison K, Yanow SK, Acker JP, Zahariadis G, Pilarski LM: An enclosed microfluidic solid gel amplification chip for platform molecular diagnostics. Lab on a Chip 2013; 13:2576-2584.
Leadership Roles
Click to see Leadership Roles
| January 2016 - Current | President, International Society for Cryobiology |
| September 2013 - Current | |
| July 2013 - Current | Member, Editorial Board, Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy |
| 2012 | Queen Elisabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal – This commemorative medal was created to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is “to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians” and was awarded to Dr. Acker to recognize his contributions to blood transfusion and blood safety through his research |
| January 2009 - Current | Member, Editorial Board, Biopreservation and Biobanking |
| January 2008 - Current | Member, Editorial Board, CryoLetters |
| January 2004 - Current | Member, Editorial Board, Cryobiology |
For general enquiries about research at Canadian Blood Services, please contact us at:
Centre for Innovation
Canadian Blood Services
1800 Alta Vista Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1G 4J5