A blood substitute that does not require refrigeration is a chance for rescue where traditional transfusion does not work. Innovations in this area could change the face of wartime and civilian medicine – also thanks to Polish scientists.

Today’s armed conflicts, limited access to blood and difficulties in storing it are making the topic of blood substitutes return with renewed vigor. Although technology is still developing, we are getting closer to a real breakthrough – also thanks to Polish researchers.

When every drop can save a life

Blood is one of the most valuable resources on the modern battlefield. Global shortages, short shelf life and logistical challenges make its availability a critical issue – especially during wars and disasters.

In the United States alone, the American Red Cross regularly announces alarming shortages. And yet, traditional transfusions aren’t just a matter of logistics – there’s also the risk of disease transmission, the need to match blood groups or a very short shelf life. Under wartime conditions, these limitations become even more acute.

Blood at the front – inaccessible and dangerous

NATO estimates show that up to 10,000 units of blood per month are needed during a conflict similar to the war in Ukraine. The costs and logistical risks are enormous. Storing blood requires refrigeration, and the noise and heat generated by the units can betray the position of troops. Blood transport columns become easy targets for attack.

In such conditions , every minute of delay in administering transfusions can determine life or death. Solutions are needed that are immediately available, infrastructure-independent and field-proof.

Breakthrough from Ukraine: drone delivered blood under fire

In November 2023, Ukrainian medics from the Azov Brigade carried out a pioneering operation. They used a drone to deliver blood and transfusion equipment directly to a trench where there was a severely wounded soldier whose evacuation was impossible.

This case shows that if there were a blood substitute that did not require refrigeration and was ready for immediate use, lives could be saved even faster.

Respirocytes – hope from Poland

A Polish biotechnology company is developing synthetic microparticles capable of carrying oxygen, known as respirocytes. This project could become an answer to the key problems of modern emergency medicine – both military and civilian.

Due to their design, respirocytes do not require refrigeration, are versatile and easy to store. This is a huge potential in situations where time, mobility and security are important.

NATO is looking for such solutions

The Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), a NATO accelerator program, is already identifying blood substitutes as one of its key challenges. NanoGroup has applied to it, hoping to accelerate research and establish international collaborations.

Importantly, DIANA supports dual-use technologies, i.e. solutions that are useful to both civilians and the military. This is in line with NATO’s new 2022 strategy and the 2025 Hague Declaration.

Blood substitutes are also a civilian revolution

The market for synthetic blood substitutes is growing rapidly. In 2023, it was worth $7.26 billion, and is forecast to grow to more than $20 billion in 2031. It is driven by the needs of surgery, trauma and the epidemiology of blood-borne diseases.

Solutions such as respirocytes can find applications in hospitals, ambulances, humanitarian missions or natural disasters. This is not only military medicine, but also the future of civilian rescue.

Blood of the future – getting closer

Modern blood substitutes could change the face of medicine. They are the answer to logistical limitations, compatibility problems and infection risks. Although the technology is still being developed, there are many indications that a breakthrough is close at hand – and Polish scientists may be one of the driving forces behind it.

Source:

https://www.national-geographic.pl/nauka/tani-zamiennik-krwi-polski-wynalazek-ktory-moze-pomoc-rannym-zolnierzom/#google_vignette