Post by Logan on Mar 26, 2017 16:46:51 GMT -6
March 24 (UPI) -- Researchers at the University of Bristol in England have created the first immortalized blood cell lines, allowing for the mass production of red blood cells.
The team of researchers collaborated with NHS Blood and Transplant to create large-scale manufactured red blood cells, which could lead to a safe source of transfusions for people with rare blood types and to compensate for blood donation shortages.
Previous studies have involved growing donated stem cells into mature red blood cells, but this method produces only small numbers of mature cells and requires repeated donations.
"Previous approaches to producing red blood cells have relied on various sources of stem cells which can only presently produce very limited quantities," Dr. Jan Frayne, of the University of Bristol's School of Biochemistry, said in a press release. "By taking an alternative approach we have generated the first human immortalized adult erythroid line {Bristol Erythroid Line Adult or BEL-A}, and in doing so, have demonstrated a feasible way to sustainably manufacture red cells for clinical use from in vitro culture. Globally, there is a need for an alternative red cell product. Cultured red blood cells have advantages over donor blood, such as reduced risk of infectious disease transmission."
Read more: www.upi.com/Health_News/2017/03/24/Scientists-discover-way-to-produce-unlimited-blood-supply/4351490362381/
The team of researchers collaborated with NHS Blood and Transplant to create large-scale manufactured red blood cells, which could lead to a safe source of transfusions for people with rare blood types and to compensate for blood donation shortages.
Previous studies have involved growing donated stem cells into mature red blood cells, but this method produces only small numbers of mature cells and requires repeated donations.
"Previous approaches to producing red blood cells have relied on various sources of stem cells which can only presently produce very limited quantities," Dr. Jan Frayne, of the University of Bristol's School of Biochemistry, said in a press release. "By taking an alternative approach we have generated the first human immortalized adult erythroid line {Bristol Erythroid Line Adult or BEL-A}, and in doing so, have demonstrated a feasible way to sustainably manufacture red cells for clinical use from in vitro culture. Globally, there is a need for an alternative red cell product. Cultured red blood cells have advantages over donor blood, such as reduced risk of infectious disease transmission."
Read more: www.upi.com/Health_News/2017/03/24/Scientists-discover-way-to-produce-unlimited-blood-supply/4351490362381/