Previously only conceptualized, researchers developed a versatile, artificial, blood compound for medical use
Orange County, CA - August 10th 2017 -In a proof of concept study, a team of researchers were able to create an artificial red blood cell that can pick up oxygen in the lungs and then circulate it to other organs and tissue throughout the body. The dried blood is a fine powder resembling a spice. It can be freeze-dried for easy transportation, and needs only to be mixed with water before it is injectable.
It’s predicted that 20,000 trauma deaths occur each year due to blood loss prior to arrival at proper medical centers. Someone needs blood every 2 seconds in the United States, but even in hospitals supply is often scarce in emergency situations.
Other than emergency situations, the blood can be utilized for procedures such as blood transfusions, as well as preserving organs being transported for transplants. Additionally an estimated 70% of battlefield casualties result from paucity of blood, rather than injury to vital organs. This artificial blood could be used as a supplement for regular blood supply in instances of extensive surgeries, first response care by EMT’s , and given to military medics for field care.
The artificial blood uses purified human hemoglobin to create a cell 98 percent smaller than naturally occurring cells. The hemoglobin is what carries the oxygen, however the shelf life is marginally lower than that of natural blood. Natural blood can circulate in the body for a few months, but the artificial blood cans only circumnavigate up to half a day.
“We may be able to manipulate that and get it up to a couple of days, “ said Dr. Doctor. “But I seriously doubt we'll be able to get to the circulation time of a normal red blood cell.”
Dr. Alan Mast, a senior investigator with the Blood Center of Wisconsin’s Blood Research Institute, although not involved in the study, is an adamant supporter of the artificial blood’s development. The sanguine liquid replacement does have its shortcomings, for it lacks a multitude of benefits that normal red blood cells provide including blood flow regulation and the ability to assist in the formation of blood clots with cruor, but possess other benefits.
“This could buy time for injured soldiers until they can get them to a hospital,” said Mast. “The product also could be useful in rural areas or areas where traumatic events occur and blood products aren’t readily available.”
The blood won’t be readily available any time soon, as the study has only been performed on rats and needs to be moved to human clinical trials. However, medical professionals are excited about the powder's future potential.
Read their study here.
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Previously only conceptualized, researchers developed a versatile, artificial, blood compound for medical use Orange County, CA – August 10th 2017 -In a proof of concept study, a team of researchers were able to create an artificial red blood cell that can pick up oxygen in the lungs and then circulate it to other organs and tissue […]