Artificial Red Cells

An examination of the most recent developments in haemoglobin-based blood substitutes, which covers new sources and preparation techniques, immunotoxicity, and the application of these artificial red cells to various clinical procedures.

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Due to the serious restrictions of human blood donations in developing countries and the increase of blood transmitted diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis, the development of blood substitutes has become a major international issue. Artificial red cells are new materials which transport sufficient oxygen whilst keeping physiological solution properties, such as oncotic pressure and viscosity. This study details the most recent developments in haemoglobin-based blood substitutes; new sources and preparation techniques; reduced toxicity and immunotoxicity; and newly discovered possibilities for blood-substitutes in clinical procedures.