Imagine a world where every hospital, every ambulance and every battlefield has instant access to blood without mixing blood groups and without the need for cold storage. This is no longer science fiction, but a historic discovery by Japanese scientists has brought it closer to reality. Japanese researchers have developed artificial blood that can be transfused to any person without mixing blood groups. This discovery can not only revolutionize the medical world but can also save thousands of lives in emergency situations.

A universal solution to a global problem

Blood transfusion is a life saving procedure in emergency medicine, surgery, accident treatment and military requirements. But there are many limitations associated with this procedure. The donor's blood group should match the patient's blood group, the blood has to be kept safe at cold temperature and its usefulness is also limited. But this artificial blood developed by Japanese scientists can eliminate all these limitations. Its biggest advantage is that it is suitable for all blood groups. That is, it can be transfused to any patient, irrespective of his blood group, without any danger. In emergency situations where every second is important, this innovation can save countless lives. Apart from this, this blood does not spoil for two years at room temperature, whereas normal blood spoils within 42 days and has to be kept in the refrigerator continuously. Because of this, this artificial blood can prove to be extremely useful for remote areas, disaster affected areas and countries with weak health facilities.

How does it work?

This artificial blood has been developed by scientists from Japan's National Defense Medical College and other institutions. It has been made using "Hemoglobin Vesicle Technology".

In this process-

1. Hemoglobin is extracted from expired donated blood.
2. This hemoglobin is enclosed within a synthetic lipid membrane, forming nano-sized particles that look like real red blood cells.
3. These vesicles perform the same function of delivering oxygen to the body as normal red blood cells do.
4. Apart from this, there are some versions of it which have platelet like properties, due to which it can also help in clotting of blood.

In this way this artificial blood can perform both the two most important functions of blood in the body – oxygen transportation and stopping bleeding.

Target of commercial launch by 2030

So far, this artificial blood has been found to be completely safe in experimental tests. A small amount of 100 ml was given to animals and some healthy human volunteers, in which no serious side effects were observed. Large-scale human trials have begun in 2025 in which safety, absorption and overall performance are being checked. If these tests are successful, commercial use of this technology can begin by 2030. Scientists believe that this artificial blood will play a very important role in emergency medicine, military operations and humanitarian disaster areas.

not just treatment

This discovery in Japan has come at a time when the number of elderly people in the country is constantly increasing and the number of blood donors is decreasing. According to experts, this situation may arise in many other countries in the coming times, which will create a huge gap between the demand and supply of blood. In times of crisis like natural disasters, terrorist attacks or war, if type matching and refrigeration are not required, then relief work can be done very fast. This artificial blood will prove to be very effective in such a situation because it can be carried anywhere and can be used immediately.

Challenges still remain

Although there is a lot of enthusiasm for the project, several major challenges remain:

1. To produce on a large scale so that the needs of the country and the world can be met.
2. Going through tough regulatory approval processes of different countries.
3. Bringing the cost down to a level that is affordable for ordinary hospitals and even poor countries.
4. To fully prove its effectiveness in actual emergency situations.

Many countries, including the US and the UK, are also working on their own technologies, such as lab-grown red blood cells or freeze-dried haemoglobin powder. But Japan's technology is believed to be the most effective due to its stability and universality.

Blood of the future created in a laboratory  

If Japan's attempt is completely successful, it can revolutionize the global health system. Problems like blood shortage, group matching and storage can be eliminated forever. This discovery is extremely important not only for the medical field but also for humanitarian aid and war zones. As 2030 approaches, it will be decided whether future medicines, surgeries and emergency treatment will depend on this blood made in the laboratory and not on donated blood. The step in which Japanese scientists have taken points to a new health system of the future - where there will never be a shortage of blood, nor will there be a delay in saving lives.

 PC:Samachar Jagat