OXYGEN TRANSPORTERS - PRODUCTION METHODS OF NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL BLOOD

Oxygen carriers could be divided into three groups: natural, "in vitro obtained" and artificial. Last two types have to be as similar to the natural ones as possible to be considered effective. In the process of in vitro red blood cells production, proliferation, and differentiation, haematopoietic stem cells seem to be the most promising. Although the progress in this area is very dynamic, there are still some challenges that must be resolved like a low yield of red blood cell production and high costs of in vitro cell cultures. Another attempt is connected with the use of induced pluripotent stem cells. However, results of research in this field are still not satisfactory and do not allow to use this strategy in clinical applications. Artificial blood synthesis focuses mainly on the production of a carrier, that would transport oxygen in a similar way to haemoglobin. In the treatment of severe clinical cases, a different approach based on pharmacotherapy and hormonotherapy is currently used. It seems to be relatively safe and improves the production of blood cells directly in patients. This work reviews current research on the production of blood cells directly in patients. This work reviews current research on the production of oxygen carriers. Moreover, it shows the molecular basis of haemopoietic system development and erythropoiesis, which are essential to understand the process of blood cell formation.