Scientists Discover Enzymes to Convert Blood Types Using Coffee Research

Every year, thousands of lives are lost due to a simple mismatch in blood types during transfusions. While O-negative is the universal donor, it’s rare—only about 7% of people have it. What if we could turn any blood type into O? That’s no longer hypothetical.

Yes, it’s now scientifically possible. An international team led by Dr. Henrik Clausen from the University of Copenhagen discovered two bacterial enzymes that can remove A and B antigens from red blood cells, converting A, B, and AB blood into O type—effectively creating universal donor blood.

Why Blood Type Matters in Transfusions

Your blood type is defined by the presence or absence of specific sugar-based antigens—A and B—on the surface of your red blood cells. Type O blood has neither, which is why it can be given to anyone without triggering an immune response. But if you give A, B, or AB blood to someone with a different type, those antigens are attacked by the recipient’s antibodies, leading to potentially fatal reactions.

The Coffee Bean Connection

This isn’t the first time scientists have looked to enzymes to solve the blood conversion puzzle. Back in the 1980s, researchers found an enzyme in coffee beans that could strip B antigens—but it was slow and inefficient for large-scale use. Fast forward to today, and the new discovery builds on that legacy while taking a giant leap forward.

The Breakthrough: Two Powerful Enzymes

Clausen’s team screened over 2,500 bacterial and fungal extracts to find enzymes capable of removing A and B antigens. They struck gold with two glycosidase enzymes derived from bacteria. These enzymes effectively strip both A and B antigens from red blood cells, converting A, B, and AB blood into O type. This means any donated blood could, in theory, be made universally compatible.

The enzymes were found through systematic testing of microbial sources, a methodical approach that narrowed down the most effective candidates from a large pool of possibilities. The result is a process that could revolutionize how blood banks operate globally.

What This Means for Global Blood Supply

The implications are massive. By converting all non-O blood types into the universal O type, blood banks could better match supply with demand, especially in emergencies where there’s no time for blood typing. It also enhances transfusion safety by reducing the risk of mismatches. Clinical trials are still needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of using converted blood in patients, but the science is promising.

The team plans to continue evaluating how the enzyme-treated blood performs in real-world transfusions, focusing on both safety and effectiveness. If successful, this could be one of the biggest advancements in transfusion medicine in decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the A and B antigens in blood?

The A and B antigens are sugar molecules found on the surface of red blood cells. Their presence or absence determines your blood type: A, B, AB, or O. O type has neither antigen, making it universally compatible.

How do the new enzymes work?

The enzymes are glycosidases derived from bacteria. They remove the A and B antigens from red blood cells, effectively converting those blood types into O type, which lacks both antigens and can be donated to any patient.

Where did scientists find these enzymes?

The enzymes were discovered through testing over 2,500 bacterial and fungal extracts. Two specific bacterial glycosidases were identified as being able to strip A and B antigens efficiently.

Didn’t scientists already try this with coffee beans?

Yes, in the 1980s, a less efficient enzyme from coffee beans was found to remove B antigens. However, it couldn’t process blood quickly enough for widespread use. The new bacterial enzymes are far more effective.

Is converted blood safe to use now?

Not yet. While the enzyme conversion method has been proven in labs, clinical trials are still required to ensure the transformed blood is safe and effective for actual transfusions in humans.

How could this change blood donation?

If widely adopted, this method could allow blood banks to convert all donated blood into O type, solving supply shortages and improving safety by ensuring more universal matches in critical situations.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Blood Drive Events

For coffee served at blood donation centres or health-focused events, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend offers a balanced, approachable cup with notes of dark chocolate and roasted nuts—ideal for keeping volunteers alert without overwhelming sensitivity. For a fruitier lift, their Yirgacheffe single origin brings bright citrus and floral tones, offering a refreshing option for donors post-transfusion. Both are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.