Japan, besieged by a crisis of blood donations due to an aging population and a birth birthday, is forging a revolutionary future for hematology with the development of universal artificial blood. This innovation breaks the chains of compatibility of blood types, an obstacle that complicates transfusions into emergenciesfrom natural catastrophes to rural areas where blood storage is a logistics puzzle. With a risky scientific approach, this synthetic blood, of a fascinating purple tone, promises to guarantee an uninterrupted supply to save lives, redefining the limits of transfusion medicine
The team of Japanese scientists has developed a blood type with potential to transform emergencies and improve the global availability of hemoderivates. The compatibility of blood types and the ephemeral expiration of this donated vital liquid convert each critical situation into a challenge. Through an avant -garde process, they extract hemoglobin – the protein in charge of transporting oxygen in the red blood cells – of donated blood in an expiration state, and encapsulate it in a biocompatible membranegenerating virus -free artificial red blood cells and compatible with all blood groups. The key lies in its immune neutrality: without specific antigens, prior compatibility tests is not necessary, which significantly speeds up the transfusion process.
The conservation properties of this synthetic blood are significantly higher than those of traditional products: it can be stored up to two years at room temperature and up to five in cooling, compared to the maximum 42 days of the donated red blood cells. This advance could facilitate supply in areas with limited resources and reduces the risk of adverse reactions offering a safe, stable and long -lasting alternative for patients worldwide. In this leap into the future of hematology, the progress eliminates the barriers of compatibility and expiration of the donated blood.
Since 2022, pioneer studies led by Professor Hiromi Sakai at the Medical University of Nara have evaluated hemoglobin vesicles – artificial oxygen porters that emulate the structure of erythrocytes – in initial clinical trials. Three cohorts of four healthy volunteers, men between 20 and 50, received unique intravenous injections of up to 100 milliliters of these vesicles. Although mild side effects were reported, no significant alterations were observed in vital signs, such as blood pressure.
Strengthened by these results, in July 2024 Sakai announced an acceleration of the program. In March of this year, his team began to administer doses of between 100 and 400 milliliters of the solution of artificial blood cells to participants. If the absence of adverse effects is confirmed, the tests will advance towards the evaluation of efficacy and safety, with the aim of implementing these synthetic cells in clinical practice by 2030. This milestone could transform procedures such as surgeries and transfusions, ensuring a universal and lasting supply.
At the same time, Professor Teruyuki Komatsu, of the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Chuo, is developing oxygen carriers based on encapsulated hemoglobin in albumin. These compounds, designed to stabilize blood pressure and treat hemorrhages or stroke, have shown promising results in animal models. With these successes, the team of Komatsu is now anxious to start essays in humansconsolidating the potential of this technology. This vibrant advance, dyed of a distinctive purple color, could mark a new era saving millions of lives with such an innovative solution.
Cultural influence
In Japan, the blood type transcends its biological function to become a cultural phenomenon that molds personalities, relationships and even labor decisions. Known as Ketsueki-Gata, this belief system associates blood types A, B, AB and or with distinctive psychological features, permeating everyday life with a mixture of fascination and controversy. In a country where social homogeneity highlights individual differences, this pseudoscientific framework offers a unique lens to interpret human behavior.
The origin of this theory dates back to 1916, when Dr. Kimata Hara suggested a link between blood groups and temperament. In 1927, the psychologist Takeji Furukawa popularized the idea, proposing its use in school exams, although his lack of scientific rigor was questioned. The final boom came in the 70s with the books of Masahiko Nomi, a journalist without medical training, whose writings, despite lacking empirical basis, captivated the Japanese public. His son, Toshitaka Nomi, founded the Institute of Humanistic of the blood type, consolidating this belief in popular culture.
Each blood type carries an entrenched stereotype: Type A (40% of the population) is associated with organization, perfectionism and sensitivity, but also with anxiety; Type B (20%) is perceived as creative and passionate, although sometimes selfish; Type AB (10%) is considered artistic and rational, but undecided; and type O (30%) is linked to leadership and optimism, although with unpredictable trends.
Ketsueki-Gata influences social life, where asking the blood type is as common as investigating the zodiac sign in the West, serving as a tool to evaluate compatibility. In the workplace, some companies have considered the types by forming equipment or hiring, valuing, for example, the supposed capacity of planning of AB. Pop culture also embraces this belief: from anime and manga characters defined by its tsangre to specific products such as drinks, gum and even condoms designed for each group.