Scientists Use Coffee-Era Enzymes to Change Blood Type

Every year, thousands of lives are lost because hospitals can’t find matching blood in time—especially O-negative, the only type that can be given to anyone. But what if we could turn other blood types into that universal donor type? A major breakthrough may have just made that possible.

Yes, researchers have identified two bacterial enzymes that can strip A and B antigens from red blood cells, effectively converting A, B, and AB blood into O type—the universal donor type safe for all patients. These enzymes were discovered after screening 2,500 bacterial and fungal extracts, marking a huge leap in solving global blood shortages and transfusion risks.

Why Blood Types Matter in Transfusions

Your blood type—A, B, AB, or O—is determined by the presence or absence of specific sugar-based antigens (A and B) on the surface of your red blood cells. O type blood has neither antigen, which is why it’s universally compatible and can be safely transfused into any patient. In contrast, if you give someone the wrong blood type—for example, A or B blood to an O recipient—their immune system attacks the foreign antigens, leading to life-threatening reactions.

The Old Coffee Bean Clue

This isn’t the first time science has tried to crack the blood conversion puzzle. Back in the 1980s, researchers found an enzyme in coffee beans that could remove B antigens from red blood cells. Early trials showed that treated blood could be safely transfused, but the enzyme was too slow and inefficient for real-world use—it couldn’t convert enough blood quickly enough to meet demand.

The New Breakthrough: Two Powerful Bacterial Enzymes

Fast forward to today: led by Dr. Henrik Clausen from the University of Copenhagen, an international team of scientists took a fresh approach. Instead of plants, they scanned 2,500 extracts from bacteria and fungi, hunting for something more effective at stripping A and B antigens. Their search paid off—they discovered two new glycosidase enzymes derived from bacteria that can remove both A and B antigens from red blood cells. That means A, B, and even AB blood can now be converted into O type, vastly expanding the pool of usable donor blood.

What This Means for Global Blood Supply

The implications are massive. With these enzymes, blood banks could potentially transform common but less-versatile blood types into the universal O type when supplies run low. This could significantly improve transfusion safety and help address chronic shortages, especially in emergencies where matching blood isn’t available. The team plans further clinical trials to confirm the safety and effectiveness of using this converted blood in real transfusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do blood types get their labels A, B, AB, and O?

Blood types are determined by the presence or absence of A and B antigens on red blood cells. Type A has A antigens, B has B antigens, AB has both, and O has neither—making it universally compatible.

What makes O type blood the universal donor?

O type blood lacks both A and B antigens, so it won’t trigger an immune response when given to people with any other blood type. That’s why it’s safe for all recipients and highly sought after in emergencies.

What were the old coffee enzymes, and why didn’t they work?

In the 1980s, scientists found an enzyme in coffee beans that could remove B antigens. Early tests were promising, but the enzyme was inefficient and couldn’t convert blood quickly or in large enough quantities for widespread use.

How did the scientists find the new enzymes?

The research team tested over 2,500 bacterial and fungal extracts. They identified two bacterial glycosidases that effectively strip both A and B antigens from red blood cells, enabling conversion of A, B, and AB blood into O type.

Are the converted blood cells safe for transfusion?

Early work with coffee enzymes showed safety potential, and the new bacterial enzymes are being studied further. Clinical trials are planned to confirm that the transformed blood is both safe and effective for real-world transfusions.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Blood Donors

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