Collagen-Coated Microchip for Platelet Function Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional platelet function tests struggle to accurately evaluate platelet function under physiological conditions, particularly in cases where platelets are activated but reduced or where the concentration of platelet-activating substances is low or absent, leading to difficulties in distinguishing between strong and weak platelet function, and in measuring the pharmacological effects of anti-platelet agents.
Innovation Solution
A microchip with a collagen-coated channel and surface-treated channel dividing walls having a specific surface roughness of 10 to 200 nm, which promotes stable platelet aggregation and allows for precise measurement of inflow pressure, combined with a platelet function testing device that includes a pressure sensor and waste liquid reservoir, enabling efficient and sensitive evaluation of platelet function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large amount of platelet-activating reagent is added to induce platelet aggregation, then platelet activation reaction is evident and measurable, but the measurement environment becomes very different from physiological conditions and cannot detect subtle platelet function variations
Solution Approach 1:
The channel surface is selectively coated with collagen at specific locations to create localized platelet activation zones. This allows platelet activation to occur only where needed, mimicking physiological conditions where platelets activate at injury sites rather than throughout the entire blood sample, thus improving both measurement precision and physiological relevance
Solution Approach 2:
Collagen serves as an intermediary substance that naturally activates platelets under physiological conditions. By using collagen-coated surfaces instead of adding large amounts of artificial platelet-activating reagents, the system achieves platelet activation that closely resembles natural physiological processes, enabling accurate detection of subtle platelet function variations
2Reliability
If PFA-100 system is used to measure platelet function under physiological conditions, then measurement environment is more similar to physiological environment, but it is impossible to control variation of data and concentrations of induction substances
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic control of blood flow rate through the microchannel, enabling adjustment of shear stress conditions. This dynamic control provides reproducibility by standardizing flow conditions while maintaining physiological relevance, as platelet activation occurs under controllable but physiologically realistic flow conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables precise control of key parameters including blood flow rate, channel geometry, and collagen coating characteristics. By controlling these parameters, the system achieves both physiological environment similarity and data reproducibility, as the same physiological conditions can be consistently replicated across measurements
3Measurement precision
If conventional aggregometers are used to measure platelet aggregation, then evident differences in platelet functions can be measured, but it is difficult to measure platelet functions in conditions similar to physiological environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces conventional mechanical aggregation measurement with optical detection of platelet activation at the channel surface. This substitution enables detection of subtle platelet function variations with high precision while maintaining physiological condition accuracy, as the optical method can detect early activation events without requiring strong artificial stimulation
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 microchip and testing device provide improved data reproducibility and sensitivity in evaluating platelet function, allowing for the assessment of platelet aggregate firmness, fragility, and stability, while minimizing measurement errors due to impurities and simplifying the testing process.
Implementation Method 1
at least a part of the channel is coated with collagen for adhesion of platelets
Implementation Method 2
the walls have been treated to have a surface roughness (Ra) of 10 to 200 nm
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(C)
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(C)
AI summary
A microchip for measuring platelet function by allowing blood to flow through a channel to induce platelet aggregation, wherein the microchip comprises a channel provided inside thereof, wherein at least a part of the channel is coated with collagen for allowing adhesion of platelets; a plurality of walls extend along the direction of the flow of blood in the channel and divide the width of the channel to form a channel dividing section; and the walls are treated to have a surface roughness (Ra) of 10 to 200 nm.