What is the difference between Artificial blood and real blood?
Artificial blood and real blood differ in several key aspects:
1. Composition: Real blood is a complex fluid that consists of various components such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Artificial blood, on the other hand, is a synthetic substitute that mainly focuses on replicating the oxygen-carrying function of red blood cells.
2. Oxygen Transport: Real blood contains hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Artificial blood may use different alternatives, such as perfluorocarbons or hemoglobin-based substitutes, to transport oxygen.
3. Blood Clotting: Real blood's clotting mechanism involves a cascade of proteins that work together to stop bleeding. Artificial blood generally lacks these clotting factors and does not participate in the body's natural clotting processes.
4. Immune Response: Real blood contains immune cells like white blood cells that play a crucial role in defending the body against infections and diseases. Artificial blood does not possess an immune system and does not contribute to the body's immune defense.
5. Universal Compatibility: Real blood has different blood groups, and blood transfusions require careful matching to avoid immune reactions. Artificial blood aims to be universally compatible, reducing the need for blood typing and facilitating transfusions.
6. Storage and Shelf Life: Real blood has a limited shelf life due to the sensitivity of its cellular components. Artificial blood may offer longer storage periods and better stability, making it more convenient for medical emergencies and storage.
7. Medical Applications: Real blood is primarily used for blood transfusions in cases such as accidents, surgeries, or blood disorders. Artificial blood is primarily used in specific situations where real blood is unavailable or not suitable, such as in emergency trauma care or cases requiring blood transfusions in remote areas.
It's important to note that while artificial blood has been studied extensively and shows promising potential, it is still not a complete replacement for real blood and remains a subject of ongoing research and development.