Plastic blood 'could save lives'

The artificial blood is sterile, easily stored and could be given to any patient via transfusion regardless of their blood type.

The synthetic blood is not a long-term substitute for the real thing but can keep patients alive until a transfusion can be carried out. It is most likely to be used where real blood is not available.

The blood, which has the composition of runny honey, was created by experts at Sheffield University. Dr Lance Twyman, who has spent the last five years developing it, said: 'We are very excited about the potential for this product and the fact it could save lives.'

Real blood must be refrigerated and has a shelf life of a little over a month. Care has to be taken to ensure any used for transfusion is the same type as a patient's blood group.

The artificial version is free of such problems. It can be stored at room temperature for months.

The blood - which has yet to be tested on humans - is made up of millions of plastic molecules. Similar in size and shape to haemoglobin, the compound responsible for ferrying oxygen round the body, they pick up oxygen from the lungs and release it into the tissues.

The plastic blood is unlikely to be available for a decade but a sample will be displayed at London's Science Museum from May 22.

Newcastle University experts are also working on a substitute blood based on the clear blood found in lugworms. It carries 40 times more oxygen than normal blood.