Hemoglobin is an essential protein that is responsible for distributing oxygen to organs and tissues. The demand for this vital molecule is high as blood shortages are noted across the globe. The scarcity of blood supply is further compounded by issues of purity, safety and storage. Donated blood must be tested for contaminants, such as HIV and hepatitis, and short shelf-life puts a constant stress on finding donors. As a result, the need for artificial blood is more than ever. One type of blood substitute that we explored is called hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) which relies on hemoglobin (Hb) to carry oxygen throughout the body. Using recombinant gene technology, we designed an E.coli plasmid expression system to synthesize recombinant Hb via over-expression of the crocodile Hb genes, which have evolved to bond with products of respiration to improve oxygen-releasing capacity. To compensate for the toxicity associated with cell-free floating Hb, we included a gene for co-expression of haptoglobin (Hp) which when bound to Hb prevents damaging effects. We hope that our system for recombinant Hb-Hp production proves efficient, high-yielding and affordable so that synthetic blood is equitably accessible across the globe.