Artificial Blood: A Futuristic Dimension of Modern Day Transfusion Sciences

Abstract

Artificial blood is an innovative concept of transfusion medicine where specifically designed compounds perform the task of transport and delivery of oxygen in the body to replace this function of allogenic human blood transfusion. Several molecules have been developed in the past few decades to achieve this objective and continous refinements are being continuously made in the quest of the ideal blood substitute. Currently, available technology manufactures artificial blood from haemoglobin obtained from outdated human/bovine blood (Haemoglobin Based Oxygen Carriers) or utilizing Perfluorocarbons. These synthetic blood substitutes are advantageous in that they do not require compatibility testing, are free from blood borne infections, have prolonged shelf life and do not require refrigeration. Artificial blood is projected to have a significant impact on the development of medical care in the future. It can complement the current blood products for transfusion and create a stable supply of safe and effective products. It is likely to reduce the requirements of blood transfusions drastically especially in settings of trauma and surgery thereby reducing the reliance on banked donated blood.

A Novel Cross-Linked Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carrier, YQ23, Extended the Golden Hour for Uncontrolled Hemorrhagic Shock in Rats and Miniature Pigs

“…Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) are modified hemoglobin with good oxygen-transporting capacity while the side effects of free hemoglobin are reduced. They are easy to store, with higher availability in remote or emergency situations, and may play a huge role in the future ( Haldar et al, 2019 ). Studies have found that HBOC can significantly increase oxygen supply, which is beneficial to trauma and shock.…”

Heparin Administered to Anopheles in Membrane Feeding Assays Blocks Plasmodium Development in the Mosquito

“…An alternative approach could be provided by offering heparin to mosquitoes in an artificial diet simulating vertebrate blood. The available technology is capable of manufacturing artificial blood for mosquito feeding from hemoglobin obtained from citrated rabbit blood [ 32 ], outdated bovine blood [ 33 ], and other blood-free artificial liquid diets [ 34 , 35 , 36 ]. These substitutes mimic in the mosquito the physiological effects of a fresh vertebrate blood meal, supporting ovarian and egg maturation and normal development of offspring into functional adults.…”

Current perspectives of artificial oxygen carriers as red blood cell substitutes: a review of old to cutting-edge technologies using in vitro and in vivo assessments

“…The main benefit of these systems is that they immediately provide oxygen through the circulation system to save life without any impairment (Haldar et al 2019 ). AOC products are feasible in traumatic conditions as well as in austere environments where blood donation is impossible.…”