Artificial Blood Could be a Universal Donor

Jun-14-14 By drawing upon the body's own defenses for help, researchers have created an artificial blood substitute that could provide some relief for transfusion patients in developing countries.

Many of the people who need blood transfusions live in developing countries, where the blood supply is limited and donated blood is often below accepted requirements. In response to this need, a team from the University of Essex is developing an alternative that can be stored for two years at room temperature and can serve as a universal blood replacement, regardless of the patient's blood type.

While research in developing an artificial hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) has been going on for many years already, researchers have been stymied by the fact that hemoglobin, which carries oxygen, can be toxic if it escapes the confines of the red blood cell. According to the development team, however, their HBOC has been "detoxified by the body's own defenses," which should render it safe to use.

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[GIZMAG.COM]
[UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX]

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