The U.S. Department of Defense has allocated $46.4 million to advance artificial blood development in collaboration with DARPA, the University of Maryland, and other institutions. The focus is on ErythroMer, a freeze-dried product by KaloCyte activated with saline, aiming to mimic natural blood’s functions like oxygen delivery and clotting to overcome challenges such as limited donor blood shelf life.
Although early attempts at artificial blood failed due to severe reactions, ErythroMer integrates cutting-edge technologies, including AI and machine learning, to enhance safety and efficiency. Testing involves simulations and animal models to assess oxygen delivery and clotting capabilities, with future studies evaluating performance in traumatic conditions.
Despite concerns about fairness in access and ethical objections from religious groups, the potential benefits of ErythroMer extend beyond military use to civilian emergencies, offering hope for hospitals facing blood shortages and disaster-affected areas globally. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize trauma and emergency medicine by eliminating the need for refrigerated storage during crises.
ErythroMer represents a breakthrough in artificial blood technology with significant implications for healthcare and emergency response.
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