Red blood cells in blood contain haemoglobin which carries oxygen throughout the body for our survival. Each year, millions of people need blood transfusion because of blood loss during surgeries or accidents. However, maintaining a constant supply of blood from the blood bank is a persistent problem. Scientists are now working on producing artificial blood to maintain a reliable supply for life-saving transfusion.
Some researchers have experimented with adopting biological materials by modifying cow's blood to isolate the haemoglobin, which is then infused into a patient’s bloodstream. Others are trying to produce red blood cells from embryonic stem cells, though this is a much more expensive process. Some scientists are taking a drastic approach to produce synthetic cells with polymers. Spheres of biocompatible materials are first created and then squashed to simulate the biconcave shape of red blood cells. They are then coated with haemoglobin to carry oxygen.
Artificial blood, which is infection-free and compatible with every patient’s blood type, is likely to be produced and transfused into human beings without much safety concerns in the foreseeable future. What is more, it is crucial to determine which technique will become the best option for mass production for the benefit of mankind.
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