Artificial intelligence maybe changing the world, but there’s another breakthrough that could transform healthcare as we know it, and that is Artificial Blood.
Imagine a world where blood shortage is no longer a crisis and can help save lives.
What exactly is artificial blood?
Artificial blood is a synthetic product that is designed to mimic and fulfil some of the functions of biological blood. This is mainly the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide to the tissues. These substitutes cannot fully replicate all the functions of biological blood like clotting and immune response.
The artificial cells have a purplish colour, unlike the regular red colour of blood as they are made in a way thatdo not oxidise until they are used.
They are categorised into 2 main types:
- Hemoglobin based oxygen carriers ( HBOCs): These use modified hemoglobin molecules extracted from human or animal blood, these substitutes transport oxygen efficiently.
- Perfluorocarbon (PFC) emulsions: These are synthetic compounds that dissolve oxygen and carbon dioxide, suitable during blood loss or surgery.
Advantages of Artificial Blood:
- universal compatibility: Eliminates the need for blood typing
- long shelf life: can be stored for months without refrigeration
- Emergency proof: ideal for war zones, natural disasters
- reduced risk of infections: no chance of transmitting blood borne pathogens
Limitations of Artificial Blood:
- Limited functionality: Does not replace immune defence, clotting or other biochemical functions of natural blood
- Risk of side effects: High blood pressure, oxidative stress, kidney strain
- Production and cost challenges: Large scale production is still difficult and can be expensive
The Future Outlook:
Researchers world wide are developing next generation blood substitutes.
- Synthetic hemoglobin and genetically engineered proteins for safer oxygen delivery.
- Hybrid products combining PFCs with plasma expanders to mimic more natural blood properties
- Freeze dried formulations: This is for easy storage and transport.
The concept of artificial blood could revolutionise emergency medicine, surgery and transfusion therapy. It could save millions of lives each year if it turns out to be successful.
As this breakthrough advances, could artificial blood become as common as a simple saline transfusion? what do you think?
Read the article here: Artificial Blood
MBH/PS