Researchers have succeeded in producing dog blood in the laboratory 🩸

In a Seoul laboratory, scientists are exploring an unexpected avenue to meet the needs of canine blood transfusions. Their goal: to cultivate dog blood in the laboratory, a world first.

Artblood, a young bioengineering company, has partnered with two South Korean universities to tackle this challenge: producing canine red blood cells in the laboratory from blood cells. This emerging technology was unveiled at the CELL BIO 2024 international conference in San Diego, an event bringing together the world's leading experts in cellular biology.


At the core of this advancement lies a process involving peripheral blood mononuclear cells from dogs, a type of white blood cell. These cells, combined with cytokines and cell markers of both human and canine origin, were cultured for 20 days to generate red blood cells.

According to the researchers, the red blood cells produced are slightly smaller in size than human red blood cells but have an identical capacity to transport oxygen. The findings also show maximum cell expansion occurring on the 17th day of the process.

Currently, blood transfusions for dogs rely on donations from other dogs. However, this practice is constrained by the availability of donors and raises ethical concerns. In vitro production could address these issues by ensuring a reliable and animal-friendly supply.

The team also hopes that this technology will open up new opportunities for research into blood-related diseases. By studying these cultivated red blood cells, scientists may gain a better understanding of certain pathological mechanisms and develop new treatments.

The implications of this invention extend beyond dogs. Cats, which can receive canine blood transfusions in some emergency cases, might also benefit from this innovation. This advancement thus lays the groundwork for a broader and more inclusive system in veterinary medicine.

Although the immediate applications primarily concern animals, in vitro blood production remains a key technology for biomedical sciences. By mastering it, researchers are pushing the boundaries of what is possible, while making medicine more ethical.

What is in vitro blood production?

In vitro blood production is a biomedical technique that involves cultivating blood cells outside a living organism. This method relies on the use of stem cells or specific blood cells placed in a nutrient-rich culture medium.

To promote their growth and differentiation, scientists add substances known as cytokines, which regulate cellular activity, as well as markers to guide the process. These steps enable the production of red blood cells or other blood components.

Historically developed for human applications, this technique is now expanding into veterinary medicine. It offers a promising alternative to traditional blood donations, notably to address shortages or reduce the use of animals as donors.