Japanese scientists at Nara Medical University are developing a universal artificial blood that could transform transfusion medicine. Produced by extracting hemoglobin from expired donor blood and encapsulating it in lipid-based particles that mimic red blood cells, it can safely transport oxygen without requiring blood type matching.

Unlike donated blood, which requires refrigeration and expires in about 42 days, this artificial blood can be stored for up to two years at room temperature (or five years when refrigerated). Its long shelf life, universal compatibility, and lower risk of transfusion-transmitted infections make it especially valuable for trauma care, disaster response, military medicine, and regions with limited blood supplies.

Human trials that began in 2022 have shown the artificial blood to be safe in healthy volunteers, with no serious side effects. Larger-dose studies (100–400 mL) are now underway to further assess its safety and effectiveness. If successful, it could be introduced into hospitals by around 2030, marking one of the most significant advances in transfusion medicine in decades.

Source: Laws, J. (2025). Artificial Blood That Could Work for All Blood Types in Trials. Newsweek.