Capillary Network Device for RBC Deformability Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools for assessing red blood cell deformability in stored blood are inadequate, as they focus on narrow subsets of deformations under non-physiological conditions and do not account for the architecture of microvascular networks, leading to ineffective evaluation of blood quality and risk of adverse events during transfusion.
Innovation Solution
An artificial microvascular network device with capillary networks of varying sizes, simulating in vivo conditions, is used to measure the deformability of red blood cells, allowing for assessment of blood quality before storage or transfusion and identification of blood at risk for adverse events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional cold storage is used to preserve red blood cells, then the blood can be stored for extended periods, but the RBC deformability deteriorates and microvascular perfusion capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by assessing RBC deformability and microvascular perfusion capability before transfusion using the CND device. This allows identification of blood units with adequate functional quality prior to storage or transfusion, enabling proactive selection of suitable blood products rather than reactive management of storage deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical assessment methods (such as macroscopic flow observations or simple filtration tests) with a microfluidic-based CND device that simulates physiological microvascular conditions. This substitution enables more accurate measurement of RBC deformability and perfusion capability under conditions that closely mimic in vivo environments.
2Ease of operation
If current assessment tools are used to evaluate red blood cell deformability, then the evaluation process is simple, but the assessment does not reflect physiological conditions and microvascular network architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a simplified microfluidic model (CND device) that replicates the essential features of the physiological microvascular network. The device copies key architectural elements such as capillary-sized channels, bifurcations, and network topology, enabling assessment of RBC deformability under physiologically relevant conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through a compact, bench-top platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling flow conditions, hematocrit levels, and channel dimensions within the CND device to match physiological ranges. This allows the assessment system to operate under conditions that reflect in vivo microvascular environments, improving measurement precision without significantly complicating the操作流程.
3Ease of manufacture
If non-physiological conditions are used for red blood cell deformability assessment, then the testing protocol is standardized and simple, but the results do not predict in vivo microvascular perfusion performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions within the CND device that replicate specific microvascular environments (e.g., different channel sizes, bifurcation geometries, and flow conditions). This allows assessment of RBC deformability under multiple physiological scenarios within a single standardized device, improving predictive value while maintaining protocol standardization through controlled local variations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively evaluates red blood cell deformability under physiologically relevant conditions, improving the assessment of blood quality and reducing the risk of transfusion complications by simulating the microvascular environment and measuring deformability across a range of flow conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Capillary network devices (CNDs) and artificial microvascular network (AMVN) devices... micro-scale devices that simulate the capillary networks and their physiological function
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
Artificial microvascular network (AMVN) devices are provided and related methods of making and methods of using such devices are provided. The present disclosure generally relates to an AMVN device comprising a substrate including a capillary network configured so as to simulate those actually encountered in the circulation of various humans and animal model systems. In certain aspects, the AMVN devices may be used, e.g., to investigate the effect of storing RBCs under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. However, the use of such AMVN devices is not so limited.