Scientists inch closer to develop synthetic blood

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who made the discovery believe this could also lead to more effective treatments for life threatening medical conditions such as cancer.

Detailing their study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the team reported that they used a technology known as PRINT (Particle Replication in Non-wetting Templates) to produce very soft hydrogel particles that mimic the size, shape and flexibility of red blood cells, allowing the particles to circulate in the body for extended periods of time.

The scientists are yet to test the particles` ability to perform functions such as transporting oxygen or carrying anti-cancer drugs. But early experiments indicate they have exciting medical potential.