Lab-grown blood refers to human blood components, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, created and multiplied in a controlled laboratory setting. This advancement promises a consistent and potentially safer blood supply. Lab-grown blood differs from “synthetic blood,” which mimics some blood functions but is not biological cells. Lab-grown blood aims to replicate the body’s natural blood cells, offering a more direct and biologically compatible alternative.
The Manufacturing Process
The creation of lab-grown blood begins with specific types of stem cells, which can develop into many different cell types. Hematopoietic stem cells, found in bone marrow and peripheral blood, are often used as they naturally give rise to all blood cell types. Alternatively, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be used; these are adult cells reprogrammed to an embryonic-like state, allowing them to differentiate into various blood cell lineages.
Once isolated, these stem cells are placed in a nutrient-rich solution within a bioreactor, which provides an ideal environment for cell growth and differentiation. Scientists introduce specific growth factors and signaling molecules to guide the stem cells to mature into desired blood components, such as red blood cells. This process, known as cell differentiation, mimics natural blood cell production. For red blood cells, this culturing process typically takes between 18 and 21 days for growth and maturation.
The cells multiply significantly during this period, with a small initial sample of stem cells yielding a large quantity of mature blood cells. This controlled environment ensures the cells develop correctly and are free from pathogens, offering a cleaner and more consistent product than traditional donor blood.
Transformative Applications
Lab-grown blood profoundly impacts medical treatment, especially for patients facing blood-related challenges. One significant application addresses the persistent global shortage of donated blood. Providing a reliable, on-demand source of blood components could alleviate this strain and ensure patients receive timely transfusions.
The technology also presents a solution for individuals with rare blood types, for whom finding compatible donors is often difficult. Some blood groups are exceptionally uncommon. Lab-grown blood can be “tuned” to produce whichever rare blood type is needed, eliminating the arduous search for specific donors.
Lab-grown blood could also benefit patients requiring frequent transfusions, such as those with sickle cell disease or thalassemia. These patients often develop antibodies against donor blood cells, making future transfusions challenging. Lab-grown cells, being fresh and uniform in age, are expected to last longer than standard donated blood. This extended lifespan could reduce transfusion frequency, mitigating complications like iron overload.
Current Research and Future Outlook
Research into lab-grown blood has progressed to early-stage clinical trials, a significant step toward its therapeutic use. The first clinical trial involving transfusions of lab-grown red blood cells into humans began in the United Kingdom in 2022. This trial, known as RESTORE, compares the lifespan of lab-grown cells with standard donated red blood cells from the same donor.
Participants in these trials receive small “mini-transfusions,” typically 5 to 10 milliliters (about one to two teaspoons) of lab-grown cells. These cells are often marked with a tracer element to allow researchers to monitor their survival. Initial results indicate transfused individuals have remained healthy, with no reported side effects.
While these initial findings are promising, further extensive trials are necessary to assess the safety, efficacy, and long-term effects of lab-grown blood before larger-scale use. The future outlook includes efforts to scale up production, reduce manufacturing costs, and navigate regulatory approval. The long-term vision is for lab-grown blood to supplement, rather than entirely replace, traditional blood donations.