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Researchers from Japan’s Nara University have created a new type of artificial blood that can be transfused into patients of any blood group.
Image: Kyodo
Artificial blood, also known as a blood substitute, is a substance that mimics the functions of real human blood, especially its ability to carry oxygen.
What is artificial blood?
It is made by extracting haemoglobin (a protein containing iron that helps RBCs to move oxygen) from expired blood and wrapping it in a protective shell.
How is it made?
Blood is divided into types A, B, AB, and O, based on the presence and absence of specific antigens. The blood types of the donor and receiver need to be compatible.
Compatiblity
The artificial blood contains none of the blood-type markers, making it compatible with all blood types.
Universal
Clinical trials began in 2020, when participants were injected with artificial blood in increasing amounts up to 100 mm. Although some volunteers faced mild side effects, the trial was successful.
Trail 1
In March 2025, researchers started another round of trials, administering 100-400 mm of artificial blood cells to participants. The trial is ongoing.
Ongoing trial
Unlike biological blood, which expires after 42 days when refrigerated at 6°C, artificial blood has a shelf life of two years when stored at room temperature.
Shelf life
Blood transfusion is a life-saving procedure used for replacing blood lost due to injury, surgery, or for patients suffering from anaemia, blood cancers or other conditions.
Why is it important?
More than one million people are diagnosed with cancer for the first time every year. Many of them need blood, sometimes daily, during chemotherapy.
Cancer
If the trial is successful, it would be a game-changer in the field of healthcare, saving millions of lives.
Saving lives
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