Japanese researchers have achieved a major medical milestone by developing artificial blood that can be safely used across all blood types. Unlike traditional donor blood, this synthetic version does not need refrigeration and can last up to two years at room temperature or five years in cold storage.
This innovation could significantly improve emergency response times and transform how medical facilities handle blood shortages and trauma care.
Universal Compatibility and Long Shelf Life
The key advantage of this artificial blood is its universal compatibility. It does not contain the A, B, AB, or O blood-type markers that often complicate emergency transfusions. As a result, doctors can skip blood-type matching, saving crucial minutes during surgeries or trauma response.
Additionally, the long shelf life makes it ideal for use in disaster zones, remote areas, or military operations where refrigeration is difficult.
Made From Expired Blood, Free From Viruses
The artificial blood, developed by Professor Hiromi Sakai and her team at Nara Medical University, is created by extracting haemoglobin—the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells—from expired donated blood. This haemoglobin is then encapsulated in fat-based bubbles to mimic real red blood cells, ensuring it can travel through the bloodstream without causing immune reactions.
This process eliminates viruses and significantly reduces the risk of infection or transfusion-related complications.
Clinical Trials Show Promising Results
Initial human trials, launched in 2022, showed no serious side effects among healthy volunteers. The ongoing phase is now testing larger transfusion volumes—between 100 and 400 millilitres—to assess performance and safety.
If successful, Japan could introduce artificial blood into hospitals and ambulances by 2030, making it the first country to deploy this technology at scale.
A Future Without Blood Shortages?
According to the World Health Organisation, many countries face persistent blood shortages. If widely adopted, this synthetic solution could ease pressure on blood banks, provide faster care in emergencies, and ensure safer transfusions, especially in underserved regions.
Artificial blood might soon become a global game-changer in trauma care, routine surgery, and medical preparedness.
