Japan Develops Universal Artificial Blood Compatible with All Blood Types

Japanese scientists have made a major breakthrough in medical science with the development of a universal artificial blood compatible with all blood types. This innovation could transform emergency care, disaster response, and battlefield medicine by eliminating the need for blood type matching, which often causes critical delays in treatment. The artificial blood can also be stored at room temperature for up to two years, a stark contrast to donated blood, which requires refrigeration and has a much shorter shelf life.

The artificial blood is created by extracting hemoglobin from expired donor blood and enclosing it in a protective shell, producing virus-free, stable artificial red blood cells. These cells can efficiently transport oxygen throughout the body. A notable characteristic of the artificial blood is its unusual purple color, a result of the specific way the hemoglobin is processed during development.

The project is led by Professor Hiromi Sakai of Nara Medical University, and human clinical trials are expected to begin by March 2025. Initial tests in animals showed promising results, with the artificial blood performing well in oxygen delivery and blood clotting without causing significant side effects. If successful in human trials, the artificial blood could be in practical use by 2030.

This advancement is especially significant for regions where donated blood is scarce or logistics make storage and matching difficult. The universal and long-lasting nature of this artificial blood could become a game-changer for healthcare systems around the world, particularly in emergency response, rural medicine, and military operations.

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