Scientists at the University of Sheffield, north-west England, are developing artificial 'plastic blood', which could save lives in emergency situations.
Although not designed to replace real blood, the artificial substance could act as a substitute to keep patients alive until a natural blood transfusion is available. Extreme disaster areas are just one example of where it could be used.
The beauty of the plastic blood is that it can be easily stored at room temperature, unlike donated blood, which needs refrigerating and has a relatively short shelf life. Scientists also point out that it is relatively affordable and lightweight. The fake blood substance is made of plastic molecules that hold an iron atom at their core, like haemoglobin, that can bind oxygen and transport it around the body.
The small plastic molecules join together in a tree-like branching structure, with a size and shape similar to natural haemoglobin molecules. This creates the right environment for the iron to bind oxygen in the lungs and release it in the body.
Dr Lance Twyman, from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Sheffield, and his team have been developing the artificial blood for the last five years and are "very excited" about the potential of the product and the fact that it 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," explained Dr Twyman, in a press release.
"This product can be stored a lot more easily than blood, meaning large quantities could be carried easily by ambulances and the armed forces."
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