Artificial blood
Artificial blood is a derived product that acts as a substitute for the red blood cells present in the body (Sódar, et al. 2016). In comparison to true blood, the purpose of artificial blood is to transport carbon dioxide and oxygen to all parts of the body. Based on current evidence, artificial blood can be developed or prepared by recombinant biotechnology, chemical isolation, or through synthetic production (Sódar, et al. 2016). The concept of plasma in artificial blood was first introduced in the early 1600s (was also known as blood substitutes). The search for true blood substitutes still continues with the help of advanced biotechnology. As per a recent survey, the global sales of artificial blood would reach approximately $7 billion if approved by the FDA in the US alone (Sódar, et al. 2016).
Plasma in artificial blood comprises of simple salt solutions or alternate plasma molecules. These alternates comprise of protein albumins which are made up of synthesized gelatine, sugars, starch, or synthetic materials (Sódar, et al. 2016). Plasma in artificial blood has been reported to be beneficial in emergency situations with respect to circulation and oxygenated blood supply. Plasma in artificial blood has also helped patients to maintain blood pressure (Sódar, et al. 2016). In 1910, researchers developed an extended plasma in blood which comprise of gum-saline solution. The plasma component was made from galactoso-gluconic acid and was termed as extended plasma (Venediktova, et al. 2012). The plasma level in artificial blood could be adjusted based on the pH concentration and temperature of plasma extended. However, the negative effects of gum solution led to the decline of its use as plasma in artificial blood. Blood plasma was replaced with human-derived plasma from dead soldiers. The same plasma was used in blood substitute and had less side-effects due to similar make-up. However, the plasma in such blood substitutes was associated with disease transmission. As per a recent study, plasma is blood substitutes have been derived and developed from cow, bovine, and sheep blood. The process of plasma purification and development for blood substitutes has gained significant importance in the field of haematology. The concept of artificial blood is still a controversy. However, a few advantages such as low risk of disease transmission, transfusion to any blood type, and the ability of blood transfusion in religious minorities has shown a promising future for artificial blood (Venediktova, et al. 2012).
References
Sódar, B. W., Kittel, Á., Pálóczi, K., Vukman, K. V., Osteikoetxea, X., Szabó-Taylor, K., Buzás, E. I. (2016). Low-density lipoprotein mimics blood plasma-derived exosomes and microvesicles during isolation and detection. Scientific Reports, 6, 24316. http://doi.org/10.1038/srep24316
. Venediktova N, Kuznetsov KV, Gritsenko EN, Gulidova GP, Mironova GD. (2012). Isolation and purification of human blood plasma proteins able to form potassium channels in artificial bilayer lipid membrane. Biofizika. 2012 Sep-Oct;57(5):805-12.
