Science View S2022E02 - Creating Artificial Blood to Save Lives

With the spread of COVID-19, as well as the declining birthrate and aging population in Japan, the shortage of blood has become an important issue. As the number of blood donors decreases, it will become more difficult in the future to secure blood for transfusion. Recognizing this risk, Professor Teruyuki Komatsu of Chuo University's Faculty of Science and Engineering is working on the development of artificial blood that can be administered to anyone at any time. He has succeeded in developing an artificial oxygen carrier by extracting hemoglobin from red blood cells and encasing it in a protein called albumin. Moreover, Professor Komatsu's artificial blood does not have a blood type and eliminates the need for compatibility tests, a key advantage for immediate transfusion in an emergency. Animal experiments have already confirmed its effectiveness in stabilizing blood pressure during hemorrhage and treating strokes, and he is now focusing on the possibility of applying it to humans. We'll take a closer look at the research of Professor Komatsu, who is aiming to realize the dream of artificial blood as soon as possible.