https://www.tokyoweekender.com/entertainment/tech-trends/japanese-scientists-develop-artificial-blood/ [ ] [] Book a Tour Japan Life Art & Culture Food & Drink Travel Entertainment Events Magazine About Us Things To Do in Tokyo News & Opinion Health & Beauty Japanese Language Art & Design Fashion Books History & Culture Restaurants & Bars Recipes Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Shikoku Chubu Kansai Chugoku Kyushu Okinawa Anime & Manga Music Technology Sports Movies & TV Today This Week This Weekend This Month [gif][Weekender_Vol-2_-cover-] Magazine Archives Stockists Newsletter About Us Contact Us Home \ Entertainment \ Technology \ Japanese Scientists Develop Artificial Blood Compatible With All Blood Types japan creates artificial bloodjapan creates artificial blood Japan Life News & Opinion Entertainment Technology Japanese Scientists Develop Artificial Blood Compatible With All Blood Types The synthetic blood can reportedly be stored for up to two years at room temperature By Matthew Hernon June 2, 2025 A critical component of healthcare, blood transfusions play a vital role in saving lives around the globe every day. Maintaining an adequate blood supply, though, is no easy task, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The demand for O-negative blood -- the universal donor type -- often exceeds supply and donations have a limited shelf life. Looking to address the issue are a group of Japanese scientists led by Hiromi Sakai at Nara Medical University. They've developed a new type of artificial blood that can be used in patients of any blood type. The artificial blood is created by extracting hemoglobin -- a protein containing iron that facilitates the transportation of oxygen in red blood cells -- from expired donor blood. It is then encased in a protective shell to create stable, virus-free artificial red blood cells. As these artificial cells have no blood type, there is no need for compatibility testing. The synthetic blood can reportedly be stored for up to two years at room temperature and five years under refrigeration. That is a significant improvement over donated red blood cells, which can only be stored under refrigeration for a maximum of 42 days. Artificial Blood Trials Small-scale studies began in 2022. Three groups of four healthy male volunteers aged 20 to 50 received a single intravenous injection of hemoglobin vesicles -- artificial oxygen carriers that mimic the structure of red blood cells -- in increasing amounts, up to 100 milliliters. While some participants experienced mild side effects, there were no significant changes in vital signs, including blood pressure. Building on that success, Sakai announced that his team was accelerating the process last July. In March, it started administering between 100 and 400 milliliters of the artificial blood cell solution to volunteers. If no side effects are confirmed, the trial will shift to examining the treatment's efficacy and safety. It aims to put the artificial red blood cells into practical use by around 2030. While these studies are taking place, Professor Teruyuki Komatsu of Chuo University's Faculty of Science and Engineering is also working on the development of artificial oxygen carriers, using albumin-encased hemoglobin to stabilize blood pressure and treat conditions like hemorrhage and stroke. So far, animal studies have shown promising results. As a result, researchers are now eager to move to human trials. Related Posts * Japanese Researchers Develop Peptide To Counter COVID-19 Viruses * 'Flesh Eating' STSS Infections Reach Record Numbers in Japan * Eating Disorders on the Rise in Japan Related Posts [gif][tokyo-june-events-385x257] Things To Do in Tokyo The Best Things To Do in Tokyo This Month: June 2025 [gif][tokyo-pride-385x257] Things To Do in Tokyo Everything You Need To Know About Tokyo Pride 2025 [gif][bans-crazy-names-385x257] News & Opinion Japan Attempts To Ban Outlandish Kirakira Baby Names | News Roundup [gif][harvard-385x257] News & Opinion Japanese Universities Consider Accepting Foreign Students From Harvard TW Collabs See All Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, OkinawaHyatt Regency Seragaki Island, Okinawa TW Collabs Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, Okinawa: A Revitalizing Resort Surrounded by the Sea kawagoekawagoe TW Collabs What To Do in Kawagoe: A Charming, Historic "Little Edo" Near Tokyo The Central Japan International Medical CenterThe Central Japan International Medical Center TW Collabs The Central Japan International Medical Center Is Revolutionizing Cancer Care chichibu day tripchichibu day trip TW Collabs Day Trip From Tokyo: Discover Chichibu's Retro Charm and Sacred Sites About Us Contact Us Advertise with Us Read the Magazine Stockists Insider's Club Newsletter Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Sitemap Connect with Us (c) Tokyo Weekender All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. Powered by ENGAWA Co., Ltd.