Microstirrer Platelet Analysis Microchip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for platelet analysis, such as the PFA-100 and Verify-NOW, require large blood samples, are invasive, and have low reproducibility due to dependence on vWF and fibrinogen concentrations, and involve complex two-step tests that are costly and difficult to standardize, making early diagnosis and prognosis of thrombosis challenging.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus with a stirring microchip that generates a high shear flow using a microstirrer to analyze a small blood sample, incorporating a sensor to measure platelet adhesion and aggregation levels, allowing for precise control of shear rate and aggregation time measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional platelet analysis methods (PFA-100, Verify-NOW) are used, then platelet function can be measured, but large blood samples are required and the tests are invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical flow-based systems with a micro-stirring system that uses magnetic field-driven micro-stirrers to generate controlled shear flow in a micro-volume chamber, enabling platelet aggregation analysis in only 3-5 microliters of blood sample
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from macro-scale blood flow analysis to micro-scale analysis by creating a three-dimensional controlled flow environment in a micro-chamber, where shear stress is precisely controlled through magnetic-driven stirring rather than relying on gravitational or pressure-driven flow
2Reliability
If conventional platelet analysis methods are used, then platelet aggregation can be measured, but the results have low reproducibility due to dependence on vWF and fibrinogen concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies shear rate parameters (from 500 to 5000 s^-1) and aggregation time parameters to optimize platelet activation conditions, allowing reproducible measurement of platelet function independent of vWF and fibrinogen concentration variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary to precisely control shear stress application, replacing direct mechanical or pressure-based flow control that is sensitive to blood composition variations, thereby achieving reproducible platelet activation across different samples
3Device complexity
If conventional two-step tests are used for platelet analysis, then comprehensive platelet function assessment can be performed, but the tests are costly and complex to standardize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal micro-platform that can perform multiple platelet function assessments (aggregation, adhesion, activation) in a single integrated device, eliminating the need for separate sequential tests while maintaining comprehensive evaluation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines shear flow generation, platelet aggregation measurement, and adhesion assessment into a single micro-chamber system with integrated magnetic stirring and optical detection, merging multiple test functions that were previously performed in separate macro-scale devices
4Speed
If high shear flow is applied to activate platelets, then platelet aggregation can be induced, but the aggregation time and control are difficult to standardize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates real-time optical detection that monitors platelet aggregation kinetics and provides feedback to control the magnetic stirring speed, automatically adjusting shear rate to maintain optimal aggregation conditions and standardize aggregation time across different measurements
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 efficient, objective, and reproducible multi-function analysis of platelets using a small blood sample, reducing costs and complexity, and providing a portable solution for early diagnosis and prognosis of thrombosis.
Implementation Method 1
a microstirrer (15) installed inside the stirring microchip (10) to generate a high shear flow in a blood sample B
Implementation Method 2
a reagent for platelet aggregation, which is sealed in the microstirrer (15), is supplied into a blood sample B by injecting the reagent in a liquid phase into the microstirrer (15), sealing the microstirrer (15), and then removing a sealed portion by means of a centrifugal force
Implementation Method 3
a sensor (41, 42) installed inside the stirring microchip (10) to measure adhesion and aggregation levels of the platelets
Implementation Method 4
an optical sensor configured to measure turbidity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for platelet multi-function analysis using measurement of electrical characteristics, and a stirring microchip are provided. The apparatus for platelet multi-function analysis includes a stirring microchip that has a sample storage chamber formed therein to hold a blood sample, and in which an inner part of the sample storage chamber is coated with reagents composed of collagen and epinephrine, or collagen and ADP. The apparatus for platelet multi-function analysis further includes a microstirrer installed inside the stirring microchip to stir the blood sample and the reagents in the stirring microchip and a stirring induction unit configured to facilitate stirring of the microstirrer. Therefore, the platelet aggregation and multi-function analysis can be performed using a trace of blood, and the platelet aggregation and multi-function analysis can also be performed using the whole blood taken from the veins through a vacuum tube containing an anticoagulant.