Microfluidic Platelet Testing via Oscillating Shear Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current platelet function tests face challenges such as difficult standardization, low diagnostic validity, invasive techniques, high costs, and variability due to dependence on vWF and hematocrit levels, with existing methods requiring large blood samples and not allowing for simultaneous thrombosis and bleeding disease diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip-based apparatus and method that generates oscillating shear flow to measure platelet aggregation and adhesion using sensors, allowing for multiple tests with a single blood sample, including drug response assessment, with parallel microchannels and reagents like Fibrinogen, ADP, and Clopidogrel, ensuring uniform activation of platelets and vWF.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional platelet function tests are used, then platelet function can be tested, but the tests require large blood samples and have low diagnostic validity
Solution Approach 1:
The test system is divided into multiple parallel microchannels, each capable of performing different platelet function tests simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to process small blood samples efficiently while maintaining diagnostic validity through multiple measurement pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional large-scale test chambers to microchannel-based testing, effectively changing the spatial dimension of the test environment. This microfluidic approach enables accurate platelet function assessment with significantly reduced blood sample volumes.
2Reliability
If conventional platelet function tests are used, then platelet function can be tested, but the tests are difficult to standardize and have high variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls and standardizes critical test parameters including shear stress levels, flow rates, and activation conditions within the microchannels. By precisely controlling these parameters, the system reduces test variability and improves standardization across different measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on platelet activation and aggregation processes. This feedback mechanism allows for standardized measurement protocols and consistent data collection, reducing variability in diagnostic results.
3Ease of operation
If conventional platelet function tests are used, then platelet function can be tested, but the tests are invasive and have high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The microchannel-based test system is designed to perform multiple platelet function tests simultaneously using a single blood sample. This multi-functionality reduces the need for repeated invasive sampling and lowers overall testing costs by consolidating multiple assays into one platform.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional platelet function tests are used, then platelet function can be tested, but the tests cannot diagnose both thrombosis and bleeding diseases simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The test system is divided into multiple parallel microchannels, each configured for specific disease diagnostic purposes. Some channels are optimized for detecting thrombosis-related platelet activation, while others are designed for bleeding disorder assessment. This segmentation enables simultaneous diagnosis of different disease types without increasing overall system complexity.
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
This approach enables accurate, cost-effective, and repeatable testing of platelet function and drug response, reducing test time and costs, while ensuring uniform activation of platelets and vWF, improving diagnostic reliability and allowing for real-time observation of platelet adhesion and aggregation.
Implementation Method 1
generates a oscillating shear flow of the blood sample... It is known that the shear stress required for the activation of a platelet or vWF is at least 8 Pa and the shear rate is at least 5,000 l/s
Implementation Method 2
measuring aggregation and adhesion of a platelet generated by flow of the blood sample... an optical sensor measuring turbidity
Implementation Method 3
an optical sensor measuring turbidity... measure the change of the optical turbidity which is changed by the aggregation and adhesion of the platelet
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for testing a function and a drug response of a platelet based on a microfluidic chip. The apparatus for test comprises a measuring device containing a blood sample and measuring aggregation and adhesion of a platelet generated by flow of the blood sample; and a fluid driving device which is connected to the measuring device and generates a oscillating shear flow of the blood sample. Therefore, activation of factors such as a platelet and von Willebrand factor (vWF) etc. can be activated uniformly and completely, and a repeatability of the platelet aggregation can be increased.