Effect of induced pluripotent stem cell technology in blood banking

Population aging has imposed cost-effective alternatives to blooddonations. Artificial blood is still at the preliminary stages of development, and the need for viable cells seems unsurmountable. Because large numbers of viable cellsmust be promptly available for clinical use, stem cell technologies, expansion, and banking represent ideal tools to ensure a regular supply. Provided key donors can be identified, induced pluripotent stemcell (iPSC) technology could pave theway to a newera in transfusionmedicine, just as it is alreadydoing inmany other fields of medicine. The present review summarizes the current state of research on iPSC technology in the field of blood banking, highlighting hurdles, and promises.