Scientists are creating artificial blood. It is safe and promises to save many lives

A group of US scientists is developing artificial blood that could save lives in emergency situations. The team ensures that it is safe and effective.

Tens of thousands of people die of hemorrhage every year, before they can reach a hospital. This is due to the fact that ambulances, medical helicopters and military doctors could not carry blood, which would deteriorate too quickly without proper refrigeration.

Now a group of from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore is developing artificial blood that can be stored in powder and reconstituted by doctors on site to save lives.

In an experience reported by the investigation team saved a rabbit. They will fill their veins with something that, they hope, allow them to finally reach a goal that has been blocking the researchers for decades: developing artificial blood safe and effective.

As the team explains, in the report, synthetic blood is Created from hemoglobin – the protein that feeds the body with oxygen. Then the expired blood hemoglobin is extracted and involve the protein in a fat bubble, essentially creating artificial red blood cells.

This protective bubble is the innovation that the team thinks will solve safety problems caused by other attempts to produce synthetic blood.

“We have to hide hemoglobin inside a cell. It is an artificial cell that makes it safe and effective,” explained the investigation leader, Allan Doctor.

Scientists then lyophilize artificial red blood cellstransforming them into a powder that can remain in good condition to an emergency.

“It was conceived in such a way that, at the moment it is necessary, a doctor can mix it with water and, in a minute, will have blood”Sinced Doctor.

“It is stored for years and can easily be transported. The goal is to be able to transfusion at the scene of an accident, ”he added.

In addition to the use in emergency medicine, military doctors will also be able to use artificial blood to Save injured soldiers.

According to NPR, the Defense Department is spending more than $ 58 million to help the synthetic, along with other components that allow coagulation and maintain blood pressure.

Although the results obtained so far seem to be a source of optimism, Doctor says he still needs to prove to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that his artificial blood is safe and effective for people.

But expects to start testing it in humans within two years.