SCIENCE fact and science fiction could soon merge in the world of fake blood.

Essex University experts have moved a step closer to creating claret to use in operations.

Scientists at the Wivenhoe-based university have employed similar technology used to make fake blood drunk by vampires in hit TV shows, such as Channel 4’s True Blood.

But, in real life, the quest to develop an alternative for use in transfusions remains the holy grail for chemists, with more than £1billion spent on research in the past 20 years.

Now Essex University boffins have submitted a worldwide patent for an engineered version of one of blood’s main ingredients – hemoglobin.

They have developed an artificial form of the molecule, which is found inside blood cells and carries oxygen around the body.

Hemoglobin can be toxic if it gets outside cells – and previous attempts to manufacture blood have failed because the versions of it produced were potentially harmful.

The Essex University scientists’ hemoglobin could solve the problem as it is less toxic.

Professor Chris Cooper said: “Basically, hemoglobin produces free radicals that can damage the heart and kidneys.

“The trick with artificial blood is to modify the molecule to be less toxic, but still perform the vital role of carrying oxygen around the body. No one has managed this yet.”

The researchers hope their discovery will one day be used in the development of a blood substitute, which could be used in hospitals.

More than 75million units of donated blood are given to people worldwide each year, but medics face a constant struggle to keep up supplies.

A substitute would have a much longer shelf-life, could be stored away from hospitals, and could be given to any patient regardless of their blood type.

It would also avoid blood being contaminated by viruses.