Developing a new type of artificial blood to carry oxygen.
Official title: Preclinical Evaluation of a Peptide-amphiphile Derived Toroidal Oxygen Carrier
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11047274 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new type of artificial blood that can safely deliver oxygen in situations where regular blood isn't available, making it helpful for patients who need blood transfusions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $715,110 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL173540-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047274 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals requiring blood transfusions in emergency or surgical settings where traditional blood products are unavailable.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not require blood transfusions or those who have specific allergies to components of the artificial blood may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel artificial oxygen carrier that can serve as a substitute for traditional banked blood. The approach involves designing a blood substitute prototype that mimics the structure of red blood cells and incorporates hemoglobin for effective oxygen delivery. Utilizing advanced machine learning and synthetic biology techniques, the project aims to optimize the properties of this artificial blood to ensure it functions safely and effectively in the body. The goal is to produce a product that can be stored and used in medical situations where conventional blood supplies are not available.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safe and effective alternative to banked blood, potentially saving lives in emergency situations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers has faced challenges, but this innovative approach using nanoparticle technology and machine learning represents a novel direction in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pan, Dipanjan — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Pan, Dipanjan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.