Synthetic blood – the end to blood shortage woes

The constant shortage of blood in our banks has always been an issue in Australia. You only need to see the advertisements on television or the Red Cross van parked on campus to realise that blood is at the top of the ‘most wanted’ list. Thanks to researchers in the UK, donating blood could really be a thing of the past. By using the stem cells from left over IVF embryos, scientists have already been able to create synthetic blood. Lead by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, a three year trail of transfusions into human volunteers of the synthetic blood, could see the beginnings of an unlimited blood supply.

Whilst there are numerous blood groups, only the ‘O – Negative’ blood group can be universally transfused without fear of tissue rejection. Especially in patients with unknown blood groups, it is the only safe administration. With seven percent of the population carrying this blood group, keeping in mind that not all seven percent of people will choose to donate blood, the current blood funds are under tight restraints. Fortunately, researchers are already testing embryos left over from IVF treatment for those that are genetically programmed to develop in ‘O-negative’ blood group. The ability of cells to replicate indefinitely in the laboratory means blood shortages would no longer be a problem.

Scientists have readily known about the ability of stem cells to develop into any cells in the body. By extracting a single stem cell from an early human embryo, it is possible to stimulate it to develop into mature blood cells in the laboratory. A US firm called Advanced Cell Technology has already managed to produce billions of red blood cells from embryos. Another major advantage of the synthesised blood is the removed risk of blood carrying viruses such as HIV and hepatitis or the human form of ‘mad cow’ disease. The major challenge now is to upsize the production and bring it into public domain.

Any usage of stem cells always comes with ethical debate. Many people believe that by using embryonic stem cells, we are murdering a potential human. Furthermore, blood donors who share beliefs in defending the rights of human embryos may choose to discontinue their generous donations.

The project will be led by Professor Marc Turner of Edinburgh University who is the director of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service. Although he sees promise in the technique, he believes ‘a realistic treatment is probably five to 10 years away’. The Wellcome Trust is understood to have promised £3m towards the research project with other contributors including the blood transfusion services of Scotland, and England and Wales.

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Article and Pictures: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7958582.stm

Post by: Chen Li (4204861)