CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS We have issued our report dated June 1, 2001, accompanying the financial statements of Synthetic Blood International, Inc. contained in the Registration Statement and Prospectus. We consent to the use of the aforementioned report in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption "Experts." /s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP Irvine, California August 31, 2001 E-11