Microfluidics for simultaneous quantification of platelet adhesion and blood viscosity.
Platelet functions, including adhesion, activation, and aggregation have an influence on thrombosis and the progression of atherosclerosis. In the present study, a new microfluidic-based method is proposed to estimate platelet adhesion and blood viscosity simultaneously. Blood sample flows into an H-shaped microfluidic device with a peristaltic pump. Since platelet aggregation may be initiated by the compression of rotors inside the peristaltic pump, platelet aggregates may adhere to the H-shaped channel. Through correlation mapping, which visualizes decorrelation of the streaming blood flow, the area of adhered platelets (APlatelet) can be estimated without labeling platelets. The platelet function is estimated by determining the representative index IA·T based on APlatelet and contact time. Blood viscosity is measured by monitoring the flow conditions in the one side channel of the H-shaped device. Based on the relation between interfacial width (W) and pressure ratio of sample flows to the reference, blood sample viscosity (μ) can be estimated by measuring W. Biophysical parameters (IA·T, μ) are compared for normal and diabetic rats using an ex vivo extracorporeal model. This microfluidic-based method can be used for evaluating variations in the platelet adhesion and blood viscosity of animal models with cardiovascular diseases under ex vivo conditions.
School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea.
Eunseop
E
Yeom
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea.
Jun Hong
JH
Park
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Korea.
Yang Jun
YJ
Kang
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea.
Sang Joon
SJ
Lee
D000818:Animals; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000502:physiology*; D001809:Blood Viscosity; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D015539:Platelet Activation; D010974:Platelet Aggregation; D051381:Rats