Researchers construct long-circulating synthetic RBCs with hybrid materials

June 8, 2020

Versatile red blood cells (RBCs) play a pivotal role in living bodies – from transporting necessary gases in and out of the body to their structural ability to move through even the tiniest of capillaries, RBCs have a host of favourable properties that are hard to replicate. Yet, an international team of researchers have created synthetic rebuilt red blood cells (RRBCs) that mimic the real thing. These new cells can easily work to carry oxygen or drugs through the body, sense toxins, or allow outside manipulation, among others.

Researchers from the American University of New Mexico, Sandia National Laboratories and South China University of Technology used native or donated human RBCs to start their design. These donated human RBCs were first covered with a thin layer of silica, followed by layers of polymers with differing charges. The silica was then etched away, and finally the surface was coated in natural RBC membranes.

The final structure of the RRBCs is similar in size, shape, charge and surface proteins as native RBCs. These RRBCs are able to deform enough to squeeze through tiny gaps in model capillaries, retained considerable oxygen-carrying capacity, and remained in circulation for over 48 hours. Thankfully, the researchers detected no toxic side effects from prolonged use of the RRBCs.

The synthetic RBCs were designed to perform better than native RBCs: they could successfully be loaded with different cargoes of haemoglobin, anticancer drugs, toxin biosensors, and magnetic nanoparticles. Each of these could represent a different potential use for the cells – transporting oxygen, delivering therapeutic drugs, sensing and detecting toxins, and allowing for outside manipulation, respectively.

Taken together, the RRBCs have a broad range of potential applications which can be further worked on, for the greater good.

Tags:

Category: Education, Features

Comments are closed.

Subscribe to HCA for exclusive updates

Top Viewed News

12 simple steps to a healthy lifestyle

12 simple steps to a healthy lifestyle

Now that the world has returned to normalcy following the pandemic, everyone is back to their daily routines and encounters with stress... Read More

AZBIL: Envisioning the Future of Hospitals

AZBIL: Envisioning the Future of Hospitals

As we strive to be the hospital of choice, why not refine our commitment to excellence beyond the pivotal mission of saving lives?... Read More

Study Unlocks Key Findings on Asian Carriers of Breast Cancer

Study Unlocks Key Findings on Asian Carriers of Breast Cancer

Malaysian researchers at Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) and the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) have published... Read More

 Unmasking the Risks of Mercury-Laden Cosmetics

Unmasking the Risks of Mercury-Laden Cosmetics

As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and thus subjective; but in some countries, the ideal of beauty begins... Read More

5 key hospital etiquettes to be mindful of when visiting a sick patient

5 key hospital etiquettes to be mindful of when visiting a sick patient

In moments of illness, the presence of loved ones can comfort and support. However, it’s important for visitors... Read More

Free counters!

2025 Exhibitions



2025 Events


8-11 May
Vietnam Medi-Pharm
MITEC, KL
www.vietnammedipharm.vn


21-22 May
HealthTechX Asia
Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore
www.healthtechx-asia.com


5-7 June
Medical Taiwan
Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Taipei, Taiwan
www.medicaltaiwan.com.tw


9-11 June
APHM International Healthcare Conference & Exhibition
KL Convention Centere, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.aphmconferences.com


12-14 June
International Health Industry Expo
China
www.ihe-china.com


24-26 June
CPhI China
SNIEC, Shanghai, China
www.cphi.com


25-26 June
Health Facilities Asia
Singapore
www.www.iqpc.com


25-27 June
Japan Health
INTEX Osaka, Japan
www.japanhealthonline.com


26-27 June
OSH India South
Chennai Trade Center, Bangalore
www.oshindia.com


9-11 July
Medical Device Development (MEDIX) – Osaka
Makuhari Messe, Japan
www.manufacturing-world.jp


14-16 July
Lab Asia
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Malaysia
www.lab-asia.com


16-18 July
Medlab Asia | Asia Health
Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur
www.medlabasia.com


13-15 August
Philippines Medical
SMX Convention Center Manila Philippines
www.philmedical.com


21-23 August
REHACARE China
Suzhou, China
www.rehacare-c.com


21-23 August
Medical Fair China
Suzhou, China
www.medicalfair.cn


3-5 September
Bio Asia Pacific
BITEC, Bangkok
www.bioasiapacific.com


9-12 September
China Dental Show
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
www.chinadentalshow.com


10-11 September
Hospital Management Asia
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.hospitalmanagementasia.com


10-12 September
Medical Fair Thailand
BITEC, Bangkok
www.medicalfair-thailand.com


10-12 September
Malaysia Pharma and Healthcare Expo
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.mphcexpo.com


11-13 September
Bio Asia Pacific
BITEC, Bangkok
www.bioasiapacific.com


24-26 September
Medtec China
Shanghai, China
www.en.medtecchina.com


9-11 October
Medical Japan Tokyo
Makuhari Messe, Japan
www.medical-jpn.jp


17-19 October
Health Asia
BITEC, Bangkok
www.health-asia.com


17-19 October
Health Asia
BITEC, Bangkok
www.health-asia.com


7-8 November
Eldercare Exhibition and Conference Asia (ELDEX Asia)
Suntex Singapore Exhibition and Convention Centre
www.eldexasia.com


10-12 November
Saudi International Pharma Expo
Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center
www.saudipharmaexpo.com


10-12 November
Saudi International MedLab Expo
Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center
www.saudimedlabexpo.com


27-29 November
International Wellness Expo (IWE 2025)
METIC, Malaysia
www.internationalwellnessexpo.com


2026 Events


9-12 Febuary
Arab Health
Dubai World Trade Centre
www.arabhealthonline.com


15-17 April
Lab Indonesia
Jakarta Convention Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
www.lab-indo.com


9-11 September
Medical Fair Asia
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
www.medicalfair-asia.com


9-11 September
Medical Manufacturing Asia
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
www.medmanufacturing-asia.com