2.11+Artificial+Blood

// 2.11 // // Analyse and present information from secondary sources to report on progress in the production of artificial blood and use available evidence to propose reasons why such research is needed. // Page 61-63 BIF

The search for a blood substitute has been the focus of much research in recent years.
 * 1) Write a brief report (no more than 400 words) on the progress on the production of artificial blood. In your answer, distinguish between the different types of artificial blood being developed.

Research so far has focused on the oxygen-carrying function of blood. Two types of compounds have been researched- haemoglobin and perflurocarbons.
 * Haemoglobin** – haemoglobin, in blood has a high oxygen carrying capacity. It may extracted from humans and cattle and some produced by genetic engineering. Problems – damage to kidney, inability to release oxygen.

Problems - as not soluble in plasma an emulsifier had to be added which initially was unsuccessful. This technology has improved: - Present status of blood substitutes - Blood substitutes are presently being clinically trialled with some success when used in small quantities for short periods of time. - BUT these compounds only replace one function of blood – its oxygen carrying capacity. More research needs to be done to develop blood substitutes that display other functions.
 * Perflurocarbons** (PFC’s) – Artificial compounds .Oxygen is 100 times more soluble in solutions containing PFC’s than in plasma.

What has prompted the search for blood substitutes?

__There are a number of reasons for the need for artificial blood:__ - Blood supplies are insufficient to meet world wide demands (conditions have become very strict) - Blood only has a shelf life of about 1 month and must be refrigerated. - Donated blood must be typed and matched to the patient. - Donated blood must be screened for diseases - some religions will not use other peole's blood.

A short introductory video (needs quicktime) [] Good introduction with current comments.
 * Some sites to help you get started are: **
 * At the end of each site write a SHORT comment on its content and usefulness. **

//** [] **// //** [] **// //**[] **// //**[] **// //**[] **// //**[] **// //**[] **// //** [] **// //**[] **// //**[] **//**(a more comprehensive listing of the components occurring within the blood) ** //** [] **// //**[|http://health.howstuffworks.com/artificial-blood.htm\] **// //**[] **//
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