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Artificial Blood: Are We Close to Lab-Made Life Savers?

Every two seconds, someone in the world requires a blood transfusion. But what do we do when there's a shortage of blood? What occurs if we can’t find a donor promptly? This is where the idea of artificial blood comes into play. The notion of generating blood in a lab—safe, sterile, and always accessible?

ARTIFICIAL BLOOD: A prospective answer for disaster response, surgical procedures, and urgent medical scenarios.

Let’s dive into the true essence of artificial blood, how it functions, the science behind it, and the possibility of it becoming available in hospitals soon.

What is Artificial Blood?

Artificial blood are not entirely like the blood (which includes red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma). Rather, it concentrates on oxygen-transporting role of red blood cells (RBCs) — the crucial component in emergency situations.

 

There are two primary categories of artificial blood alternatives:

1. Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carriers (HBOCs) 

These products are created using hemoglobin, the natural protein found in red blood cells which is responsible for transporting oxygen.

How They’re Produced: 

Researchers extract hemoglobin from human blood, bovine blood, or even cultivate it using bacteria in laboratory settings. However, unprocessed hemoglobin can be harmful, so it is chemically treated to ensure it’s safe use within the body.

Advantages: 

·     - Doesn’t need to be matched with blood groups (universal).

·      -Can be stored for larger periods without refrigeration.

·      -Ready to use in urgent situations.

 

Disadvantages: 

·      -Could lead to issues like increased blood pressure or could damage the organs.

·      -Not yet authorized for regular use in numerous countries.

 

2. Perfluorocarbon-Based Carriers (PFCs) 

These are synthetic substances capable of carrying significant amounts of oxygen.

How They Function: 

They don’t transport oxygen in the same way blood does — instead, they absorb it like a sponge and gradually release it within the body. They are basically liquids combined with specific ingredients to carry oxygen efficiently later they are injected into the body.

Advantages: 

·      -Can reach even extremely small or obstructed blood vessels.

·      -Do not trigger any allergic reactions.

·      -Simple to store.

Disadvantages: 

·      -Only effective if the patient inhales additional oxygen.

·      -Can accumulate in the liver and lead to adverse effects

 

Why Is Artificial Blood Necessary?

1. Emergencies and Surgeries

In critical situations, individuals may lose significant amounts of blood. Artificial blood can be administered rapidly to help sustain their lives until real blood is available

2. Uncommon Blood Types

Certain individuals have very uncommon blood groups. It can be difficult and  time-consuming to find a compatible donor. Artificial blood could serve as a temporary, life-saving alternative.

3. Isolated Locations and Conflict Zones

In  remote, hilly, rural areas or battlefields, accessing a blood bank can be very challenging. Thus, artificial blood can be easily stored and utilized without refrigeration.

4. During Epidemic Outbreaks

There are certain chances that donor blood may transmit viruses such as HIV or Hepatitis. Artificial blood is safe and sterile, as it is produced in a laboratory.

 

How Do Scientists Create Artificial Blood?

1. Selecting the Primary Component

Ø Researchers firstly choose between either:

          -Hemoglobin (from humans, cows, or produced in labs)

         -Or perfluorochemicals (synthetic liquids that hold oxygen)

 

2. Ensuring Safety

Free hemoglobin can harm organs. Therefore, it is chemically altered or encapsulated in tiny bubbles to shield the body.

 

3. Conducting Safety Tests

The synthetic blood undergoes testing to determine.

·      Whether it can carry oxygen effectively.

·      Is there any damage to cells?

·      Does it trigger fever or allergic reactions?

 

4. Testing in Living Organisms

Ø  Laboratory tests are either done on

-Animals such as mice or monkey.

-Early human trials are also done known as Phase I or II trials

So far, several products have shown promise, but most are not yet suitable for use in hospitals.

 

Why Isn’t Artificial Blood Used Widely Yet?

Although scientists are making progress, there are still problems to solve:

·      It Doesn’t Do Everything- Artificial blood only carries oxygen. It doesn’t fight infections or help in blood clotting. Real blood has white blood cells, platelets, and many other parts that artificial blood doesn’t.

 

·      Some Side Effects- During the trials, it was noted that some people had problems like high blood pressure, kidney damage, or inflammation

 

·      Cost- One unit of artificial blood can cost over ₹50,000–₹80,000 (or $500–$1000). Making it cheaper is a big challenge.

 

·      Not Yet Approved- Most products have not passed all safety tests. Authorities like the FDA (USA) or EMA (Europe) are still waiting for more proof before giving final approval.

 CONCLUSION- Artificial blood is one of science’s most exciting and challenging goals. Imagine a world where you don’t have to wait for a blood donor — where a lab-made vial could save a life on the spot. We’re not there yet, but with new discoveries every year, we’re getting close.

Until then, donating real blood is still the best way to save lives. 

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