Scientists Pursue Artificial Blood to Combat Global Shortages
Scientists around the world are pushing the boundaries of medical science by exploring the potential of artificial blood to address critical shortages and enhance transfusion safety. With millions dying each year from the lack of available blood, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), artificial blood could offer a life-saving solution.
Researchers are focusing on creating both lab-grown and synthetic blood alternatives, hoping to revolutionize the way blood is used in emergency and medical settings. Despite significant progress in clinical trials, scientists are still working to perfect these substitutes before they can be made available for widespread use.
What is Artificial Blood? Understanding the Two Main Types
Scientists distinguish between two types of artificial blood: synthetic blood and lab-grown blood. Synthetic blood is a completely man-made product designed to mimic the function of natural blood. Unlike lab-grown blood, it doesn’t contain any human cells. Instead, synthetic blood consists of engineered molecules, such as hemoglobin-based substances, that are designed to transport oxygen throughout the body. The US military has invested heavily in synthetic blood research, particularly in the form of ErythroMer, which is being tested for universal compatibility and stable storage without refrigeration.
Lab-grown blood, on the other hand, is made by cultivating human red blood cells in a laboratory setting. These cells are grown from stem cells, particularly hematopoietic stem cells, which can differentiate into various types of blood cells. Lab-grown blood could eventually replace donated blood, especially in cases where rare blood types are required. Scientists are also experimenting with genetically edited stem cells to create blood that lacks specific markers, potentially allowing blood to be used universally, without the need for blood type matching.
How Scientists Create Lab-Grown Blood
The process of creating lab-grown blood starts with stem cells, which are collected from bone marrow or blood donors. These stem cells are exposed to growth factors that stimulate their development into red blood cells. Over several weeks, the cells mature, closely resembling natural red blood cells in both form and function. The key challenge for scientists is to increase the yield of these cells and ensure that they function as effectively as natural blood. At the University of Cambridge, Professor Cedric Ghevaert is leading efforts to refine this process and explore the potential for lab-grown platelets, which could provide better treatment for trauma patients and those suffering from conditions like leukemia.
In recent years, breakthroughs in gene editing have made it possible to enhance blood production and even eliminate blood group markers. This development could be a game-changer for transfusion medicine, as it would allow blood to be given to anyone, regardless of their blood type. Scientists are also investigating how to grow blood in large quantities to meet the ever-increasing global demand.
Scientists in the Lab: Progress in Clinical Trials
Scientists have already begun testing artificial blood in clinical trials. In 2022, the first-ever trial involving lab-grown red blood cells was conducted in the UK, where a small group of volunteers received transfusions of these artificial cells. The trial aimed to assess the safety and longevity of lab-grown blood. While more testing is required, the results were promising, with no major adverse effects reported.
In Japan, a similar trial also took place in 2022, where scientists tested hemoglobin vesicles—a synthetic blood component designed to carry oxygen. This trial involved 12 healthy volunteers who were injected with varying amounts of hemoglobin vesicles. Though some participants experienced mild side effects, like fever or a rash, the results indicated that synthetic blood could be a viable alternative to traditional transfusions, especially in emergencies where matching blood types is difficult or impossible.
Challenges Faced by Scientists in Artificial Blood Development
While scientists are making strides in artificial blood development, several challenges remain. One major hurdle is the cost of production. As of 2013, the cost of creating just one unit of lab-grown blood exceeded $90,000. However, thanks to advancements in manufacturing processes, that cost has been reduced to below $5,000 per unit. This price, while still high, is significantly lower than the $215 per unit paid by hospitals for donated blood. Yet, there remains a significant gap between the cost of artificial blood and the cost of traditional blood transfusions, making it a challenge to bring synthetic blood to the market on a large scale.
Additionally, there are regulatory challenges to overcome. Agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are still working to determine how artificial blood should be classified and regulated. Scientists like Professor Ghevaert point out that this is a new area for regulators, and much work remains to be done to ensure that artificial blood meets safety and efficacy standards before it can be approved for widespread use.
Scientists Work Towards Commercial Production of Artificial Blood
Although clinical trials are progressing, scientists still face several barriers before artificial blood can be produced on a commercial scale. These obstacles include scaling up production to meet the demand for blood products while maintaining high safety and functionality standards. The technology needed to grow and process lab-grown blood cells is complex and still in the development phase, which makes it difficult to predict when artificial blood will be available for regular medical use.
Moreover, there are questions about how artificial blood will be classified. Is it a form of cell therapy, or should it be considered a type of medicine? The classification will significantly affect how it is regulated and how much time and investment are required to bring it to market.
Can Artificial Blood Help Solve the Global Blood Shortage Crisis?
Artificial blood holds significant promise for addressing global blood shortages, which are especially severe in low- and middle-income countries. According to WHO data, about 118.5 million blood donations are collected worldwide, but these donations are not evenly distributed. High-income countries collect 40 percent of the global blood supply, despite representing only 16 percent of the global population. In contrast, regions like sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Oceania face critical shortages. In some areas, up to 75 percent of patients needing transfusions cannot access blood.
Artificial blood could help alleviate these shortages by providing a readily available, easily transportable substitute. One of the key advantages of lab-grown blood is that it can be stored for longer periods, overcoming issues related to blood storage and transportation. This could be a game-changer for rural communities, where access to blood banks is limited and emergencies often lead to delays in treatment.
The Role of Artificial Blood in Emergency and Military Medicine
In addition to addressing shortages in the general population, artificial blood could play a crucial role in emergency medicine and military settings. Synthetic blood products are designed for use in urgent situations where time is of the essence, such as during trauma care, surgery, or military operations. The ability to quickly administer a blood substitute that is universally compatible and does not require refrigeration could save countless lives, especially in environments where access to traditional blood supplies is limited.
The US military has already invested in synthetic blood development to ensure that soldiers on the battlefield have access to immediate, life-saving transfusions. The goal is to have a blood substitute that can be deployed quickly, is stable in extreme conditions, and can be used universally, without the need for blood type matching.
Future Outlook: How Close Are Scientists to Producing Artificial Blood?
Despite the challenges and hurdles still faced by researchers, scientists are optimistic about the future of artificial blood. As technology advances, it is likely that the production process will become more efficient and cost-effective, making it a viable option for treating patients worldwide. While it may still take several years before artificial blood is available on a large scale, the progress made so far is encouraging.
With continued investment and research, artificial blood could eventually become a standard part of medical care, particularly in emergencies and in regions facing critical blood shortages. By addressing the limitations of traditional blood donation systems and overcoming barriers related to cost and production, scientists are paving the way for a future where blood shortages no longer lead to unnecessary deaths.
