Next-generation synthetic blood is universal and can be stored for months.

The shortage of donor blood remains a global healthcare challenge, especially in emergencies, traumatic injuries, surgeries, and military settings. Traditional blood supplies face limitations, including short storage life, compatibility issues, and logistical difficulties. This is why scientists have long sought to develop a safe, universal, and effective artificial blood substitute. A recent breakthrough brings this goal closer: researchers have created a next-generation synthetic blood capable of performing many of the vital functions of real blood.

The foundation of the new technology is a synthetic oxygen carrier designed to mimic hemoglobin — the protein responsible for delivering oxygen to tissues. Unlike earlier attempts at artificial blood, this new substitute is highly stable, resistant to temperature changes, and maintainable for several months. This makes it ideal for hospitals, remote locations, disaster zones, and military operations.

One of the greatest advantages of the new blood substitute is its universality. It can be used for patients with any blood type or Rh factor, removing the need for compatibility checks. In critical situations, this can save precious minutes and significantly increase survival rates, as treatment can begin immediately.

Safety was a top priority for the researchers. Extensive tests on animals and early human trials showed that the substitute does not trigger immune reactions, does not cause clot formation, and does not damage organs. Because it contains no biological components, it is also free from infectious agents — eliminating the risk of transmitting diseases through transfusion.

The technology may prove invaluable in environments where access to donor blood is limited: remote regions, ships, disaster response teams, and combat zones. Military medical teams have already expressed strong interest, as synthetic blood could dramatically improve survival on the battlefield.

Another promising application is in surgeries with high blood-loss risk. Having the ability to prepare large quantities of stable synthetic blood eliminates dependence on donor availability and allows surgeons to plan complex procedures more confidently.

Researchers emphasize that the substitute is still undergoing further studies. Upcoming large-scale clinical trials will evaluate long-term safety and performance across different patient groups. Nevertheless, many experts already consider artificial blood one of the most significant breakthroughs in transfusion medicine in recent decades.