A shear gradient-activated microfluidic device for automated monitoring of whole blood haemostasis and platelet function

Nat Commun. 2016 Jan 6:7:10176. doi: 10.1038/ncomms10176.

Abstract

Accurate assessment of blood haemostasis is essential for the management of patients who use extracorporeal devices, receive anticoagulation therapy or experience coagulopathies. However, current monitoring devices do not measure effects of haemodynamic forces that contribute significantly to platelet function and thrombus formation. Here we describe a microfluidic device that mimics a network of stenosed arteriolar vessels, permitting evaluation of blood clotting within small sample volumes under pathophysiological flow. By applying a clotting time analysis based on a phenomenological mathematical model of thrombus formation, coagulation and platelet function can be accurately measured in vitro in patient blood samples. When the device is integrated into an extracorporeal circuit in pig endotoxemia or heparin therapy models, it produces real-time readouts of alterations in coagulation ex vivo that are more reliable than standard clotting assays. Thus, this disposable device may be useful for personalized diagnostics and for real-time surveillance of antithrombotic therapy in clinic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Abciximab
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Blood Coagulation Tests / instrumentation*
  • Blood Coagulation Tests / methods
  • Blood Platelets / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Hemostasis / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / pharmacology
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices*
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques
  • Platelet Aggregation
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Platelet Function Tests / instrumentation
  • Platelet Function Tests / methods
  • Point-of-Care Systems
  • Shear Strength
  • Swine

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Abciximab