Artificial Blood Substitutes: An Update on Strategies For Blood Transfusion Alternatives

Abstract

The ongoing challenges in blood donation, storage, and transfusion have underscored the need for effective alternatives to regular blood products. This review provides a comprehensive overview of artificial blood substitutes, highlighting their historical development, current advancements, and future directions. Blood transfusions carry inherent risks, including infections and compatibility issues, leading to an increased demand for safe and efficient substitutes. Early attempts at blood replacement have evolved into sophisticated products, including perfluorocarbon (PFC) emulsions, haemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs), and stem cell-derived blood products. Each type exhibits unique mechanisms of oxygen transport, along with advantages and limitations concerning safety, efficacy, and stability. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated varying degrees of success and challenges in the application of these substitutes in real-world settings, particularly in trauma and surgical contexts. However, issues related to toxicity, regulatory hurdles, and production costs remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. The integration of bioengineering and nanotechnology has the potential to enhance the functionality of artificial blood products, while advances in gene editing and molecular techniques could pave the way for personalized blood substitutes tailored to individual patient needs. As research progresses, it is imperative to address the existing challenges to optimize artificial blood substitutes for clinical use. This review concludes by emphasizing the need for ongoing research and innovation to fully realize the potential of these alternatives, which could transform transfusion medicine and improve patient outcomes.