Plastic Blood Could Save Your Life

A major break through in medical science recently is the concept of plastic blood. A synthetic blood made from plastic molecules could one day help save the lives of millions. Developed by researchers at the University of Sheffieldare which is located in the U.K. They are very excited about this new creation.

The synthetic blood is made of plastic molecules that mostly consist of iron. The molecules carry oxygen throughout the body. This plastic blood is similar to haemoglobin. This artificial blood is devoid of the problems associated with human blood, such as disease, compatibility and availability, and it can be developed into a dehydrated, "just-add-water" substance, giving it a longer shelf life. The plastic blood should only to be used in small quantities. This could help in saving lives during war or emergencies.

Another advantage is that the blood is cheap and easy to reproduce. Scientist are looking for donations to develop a final prototype that would be suitable for biological testing. Dr Lance Twyman, of the university's Department of Chemistry, said, "We are very excited about the potential for this product and about the fact that this could save lives. Many people die from superficial wounds when they are trapped in an accident or are injured on the battlefield and can't get blood before they get to hospital. This product can be stored a lot more easily than blood, meaning large quantities could be carried easily by ambulances and the armed forces."

Twyman's team, as well as others, have been working on this project for many years. To finalize their prototype is a huge success. There are a variety of techniques used in making plastic blood.One technique wraps natural hemoglobin - the oxygen-transporting protein in living blood cells - in a polymer to replicate the role of blood cells. These artificial cells can seep into fatty tissue and become toxic and often times produce too much oxygen. This can lead to hypertension. Another popular technique uses fluorocarbon molecules that work to dissolve oxygen in the system the way that carbon dioxide dissolves in a fizzy drink to make it bubbly. But this approach also produces high concentrations of oxygen and ends up releasing the gas too fast to be of good use.

The Sheffield University's team used blood cells that are manufactured in a single step.Comprised of a molecule made from polyethylene glycol, a polymer already used safely to deliver drugs to the bloodstream. This molecule has the same branching structure, dimension and functionality as hemoglobin. At its core, it has an iron atom, which attaches to oxygen to transport it. Twyman and colleague Yi Ge wanted to overcome these limitations with a method that more closely resembled nature. An artificial blood prototype will be on display at the Science Museum in London May 22 as part of an exhibition about the history of plastics.