Neohemocytes are artivicial red blood cells. They were first researched and produced successfully at the University of California in San Francisco.
Neohemocytes are created by filling sacs made of phospholipids and cholesterol with hemoglobin molecules (from donated blood). These chemically produced red blood cells are roughly 1/12 the size of a natural, human erythrocyte.
The largest benefit to the use of Neohemocytes is that they can be kept for up to six months (in comparison to the maximum 35 day storage time for natural blood). Another positive aspect of Neohemocytes is that hemoglobin is not antigenic and so the donor's blood type need not match that of the recipient and the adverse effects of poorly matched blood can be disregarded. One disadvantage that has arisen thus far is that the body destroys and rids itself of Neohemocytes at a faster rate than true erythrocytes. However, in the future this downfall may not out weigh the advatage of using Neohemocytes, especially on trauma patients in need of an imminent blood supply.
At this time, Neohemocytes must be further researched and human tests will probably not be performed for a long time yet to come.
phospholipids
lipids that contain phosphate group(s) and directly affect the structure and function of cell membranes
also known as phosphatides
cholesterol
a steroid that is found in the body tissues
chemical formula...
C27H45OH
hemoglobin
the componentof erythroctes that transports oxygen
erythrocytes
red blood cells