Centrifugal Microfluidics Platelet Aggregation Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current platelet function tests face challenges such as difficult standardization, low diagnostic validity, invasive methods, and high costs, with a need for a more efficient and accurate method for early diagnosis and prognosis of thrombosis and bleeding diseases, particularly due to reliance on vWF and requirement for large blood samples.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal microfluidics-based apparatus with a rotatable disk, sample chamber, stirring chambers, microchannels, and waste sample chambers, which induces shear flow and measures platelet aggregation and adhesion, allowing for automatic closure time measurement and drug response testing with minimal blood volume, using a stirrer with agonists or antagonists to activate or inhibit platelet aggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional platelet function tests are used, then platelet function can be tested, but standardization is difficult and diagnostic validity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the test system by using a microfluidic channel with specific dimensions (width 10-100 μm, length 1-10 mm) and controlling shear rate (5,000-10,000 s⁻¹) to achieve standardized and reproducible platelet aggregation measurements, resolving the standardization and diagnostic validity issues of conventional tests
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical systems of conventional platelet function analyzers with a simplified microfluidic system that uses a rotating disk to generate controlled shear flow, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If conventional platelet function analyzers are used, then platelet aggregation can be measured, but large amount of blood sample is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from conventional large-volume test systems to a microfluidic system operating in the micrometer dimension scale, with channel widths of 10-100 μm, enabling accurate platelet aggregation measurement with only 10-100 μL of blood sample
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the blood sample flow into a controlled microfluidic path with specific channel dimensions, allowing the entire blood sample volume to be utilized for measurement rather than requiring large volumes, thereby reducing the required blood sample quantity while maintaining measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If conventional platelet function tests are used, then platelet function can be tested, but test cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a disposable microfluidic chip that can be manufactured at low cost using standard microfabrication techniques, eliminating the need for expensive conventional platelet function analyzers while maintaining test accuracy through controlled shear flow conditions in the microchannel
4Measurement precision
If conventional platelet function analyzers are used, then platelet aggregation can be measured, but device complexity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical systems of conventional platelet function analyzers with a simple rotating disk mechanism that generates controlled shear flow in a microfluidic channel, measuring closure time through optical detection of platelet aggregation, thereby achieving accurate measurement with minimal device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and isolates the essential function of platelet aggregation measurement from the complex conventional analyzer system, using only the critical elements of controlled shear flow and optical detection, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining measurement precision
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
Enables a single test for multiple platelet functions, reducing costs and improving test accuracy and repeatability, with disposable components and no need for external driving devices, facilitating simultaneous testing of multiple samples with reduced risk of infection.
Implementation Method 1
stirring chambers which induce a shear flow in the blood sample
Implementation Method 2
apparatus for testing a multifunction and a drug response of a platelet based on a centrifugal microfluidics
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for testing a multi-function and a drug response of platelet based on a centrifugal microfluidics. The testing apparatus according to the present invention may include: a rotatable disk; a sample chamber arranged at the center of the disk such that a blood sample is accommodated therein; stirring chambers respectively connected to the sample chamber in multiple radial directions so as to introduce a shear flow in the blood sample; microchannels connected to the stirring chambers such that adhesion and cohesion of platelets occur during the 44 movement of the blood sample; and a waste sample chamber in which the blood sample is accommodated after passing through the microchannels. According to the present invention, multiple drug tests can be performed on a single blood sample at one time in multiple channels such that multiple tests is possible with respect to complex platelet functions, and thus testing time is reduced and testing costs can be saved.