06 June 2025

The Future of Healthcare: Artificial Blood Could End Blood Shortages

Imagine a world where blood shortages no longer result in lost lives, where emergencies in rural South African clinics or busy city hospitals are not hindered by a lack of compatible blood for transfusions. Thanks to ground-breaking research by Japanese scientists, this vision may soon become a reality.

A significant advancement in healthcare is underway with the development of artificial blood, led by Hiromi Sakai and his team at Nara Medical University in Japan. This innovation has the potential to save millions of lives globally by addressing the critical issue of blood shortages.

Blood transfusions are vital in healthcare, especially during surgeries, childbirth, trauma, and the treatment of severe illnesses. However, maintaining an adequate blood supply is a persistent challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like South Africa. The demand for O-negative blood, known as the universal donor type, is especially high, yet its supply is often inadequate. Compounding the issue is the short shelf life of donated red blood cells, which can only be stored for 42 days under refrigeration.

The introduction of artificial blood could revolutionize the situation, ensuring that no patient is denied care due to a lack of compatible blood. The science behind artificial blood is no longer theoretical; it is becoming a reality with remarkable potential. According to reports, Sakais team has developed artificial red blood cells by extracting hemoglobin from expired donor blood.

The process involves several steps: first, hemoglobin is isolated from expired blood donations, preventing waste. Next, the hemoglobin is encapsulated in a protective shell, resulting in stable, virus-free artificial red blood cells. Importantly, these synthetic cells lack blood type markers, making them compatible with all blood groups and eliminating the need for cross-matching.

The advantages of artificial blood extend beyond compatibility. Unlike donated blood, which requires refrigeration and has a limited lifespan, artificial blood can reportedly be stored for up to two years at room temperature and five years when refrigerated. This capability could significantly enhance emergency response systems in remote areas where accessing fresh blood supplies is challenging.

Early trials have shown promise. In 2022, Sakais team conducted small-scale studies with 12 healthy male volunteers aged 20 to 50, administering intravenous injections of hemoglobin vesicles that mimic the oxygen-carrying function of natural red blood cells. While some participants reported mild side effects, no serious adverse effects were noted, and vital signs remained stable.

Building on this initial success, the trials have progressed to a second phase as of March this year, with larger doses being administered to volunteers. If no significant side effects are observed, the research will shift to evaluating the efficacy and safety of artificial blood for practical use, with the goal of making this life-saving innovation widely available by 2030.

The implications for the healthcare industry are profound. In emergency care, artificial blood could expedite life-saving interventions by eliminating the need for compatibility testing. In rural areas, its long shelf life could ensure a reliable supply for emergencies. Additionally, by repurposing expired donor blood, artificial blood could enhance the efficiency of the blood donation system.

While the promise of artificial blood is exciting, it remains in the experimental stage, and further trials are necessary to confirm its safety and efficacy across diverse patient populations. Nonetheless, the potential impact is significant. The vision of a healthcare system where no patient dies waiting for blood is within reach.

As this ground-breaking innovation advances, it is crucial to continue supporting local blood donation efforts. While artificial blood represents a revolutionary step forward, the need for natural donations will persist for the foreseeable future. As Hiromi Sakai and his team work toward their 2030 goal, the world watches with anticipation, aware that this development could transform medicine as we know it.