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by Researchers at Sheffield University have developed an initial prototype of artificial blood, made of plastic molecules infused with an iron atom at their core to to mimic hemoglobin. If sufficiently funded and tested, the plastic blood would be of huge benefit to those in emergency situations as it does not need to be refrigerated, allowing emergency personnel to transfer greater quantities of blood over longer distances. The blood is also said to be cheaply manufactured and easily stored.
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adaptable blood? by SOthought :: NR2 :: on 18 May 2007
would this artificial blood be compatible with all blood types? If so, then the medical field would be revolutionized. If not, what are the current conditions if one had to be infused with this artificial blood/ side-effects?
RE: adaptable blood? by scottb :: NR7 :: on 18 May 2007
There's no reason it shouldn't be. Blood types indicate the presence of antigens in the blood. There are two types of antigen, called A and B. If a person who has Type-A blood receives a transfusion containing Type-B or Type-AB blood (which have the B antigen), their body will produce antibodies that attack the B-marked cells.
Type-O blood contains neither antigen, which is what makes it suitable for transfusing to anyone, hence it's the "universal donor". Type-AB blood already has both antigens present, so no immune response is triggered, meaning it can tolerate tranfusions of any type, hence it's the "universal recipient".
Artificial blood wouldn't naturally have any antigens, so it should be suitable for any recipients.