Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function

Summary

Platelet function under flow can be assessed and simulated hemostatic resuscitation can be modeled using a microfluidic device, which has applications in trauma and transfusion medicine.

Abstract

Microfluidics incorporate physiologically relevant substrates and flows that mimic the vasculature and are, therefore, a valuable tool for studying aspects of thrombosis and hemostasis. At high-shear environments simulating arterial flow, a microfluidic assay facilitates the study of platelet function, as platelet-rich thrombi form in a localized stenotic region of a flow channel. Utilizing devices that allow for small sample volume can additionally aid in evaluating platelet function under flow from volume-limited patient samples or animal models. Studying trauma patient samples or samples following platelet product transfusion may aid in directing therapeutic strategies for patient populations in which platelet function is critical. Effects of platelet inhibition via pharmacological agents can also be studied in this model. The objective of this protocol is to establish a microfluidic platform that incorporates physiologic flow, biological surfaces, and relevant hemostatic mechanisms to assess platelet function with implications for the study of trauma induced coagulopathy and transfusion medicine.

Introduction

Trauma is a leading global cause of death and disability. Severe injury is frequently complicated by a unique, endogenous disturbance of hemostasis and thrombosis, termed trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC)¹. Platelets play a critical role in TIC, and they have been described as having both adaptive and maladaptive functions². The mechanisms of platelet dysfunction after injury remain unclear, and there is a critical need to better understand the cellular response to guide the development of improved resuscitation and therapy. An additional vexing problem regarding platelet function after injury is the uncertainty of the r....

Protocol

All research was performed in compliance with institutional guidelines. Approval from the University of Pittsburgh Human Research Protection Office was obtained and informed consent from healthy human volunteers was obtained.

1. Microfluidic device preparation

1. To fabricate the PDMS portion of the device, prepare a master mold using brass via computer numerical control (CNC) micromachining.
   NOTE: Depending on channel dimensions, photolithography techniques ma.......

Discussion

The above protocol has some critical steps to ensure the reliability and reproducibility of experiments. First, fluorescent antibodies should be carefully considered. The antibodies used to detect platelets in the sample should not block the function of the glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) platelet receptor. Lot matching, whenever possible between experiments, is also critical to ensure the reproducibility of the fluorescent signal. Another critical step in this protocol is using sterile consumables and solutions and filtered samp.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Equipments
Axio Observer	Zeiss	491917-0001-000
Bel-Art Space Saver Vacuum Desiccators	Fisher Scientific	08-594-15A
Fisherbrand Isotemp Digital Hotplate Stirrer	Fisher Scientific	FB30786161
Nutating Mixer	Fischer Scientific	88-861-043
OHAUS Scout Balance Scale	Uline	H-5852
Oven	Fisher Scientific	15-103-0520
Plasma cleaner	Harrick	PDC-32G (115V)
Syringe Pump (PHD ULTRA CP, I/W PROGRAMMABLE)	Harvard Apparatus	883015
Zen 3.4	Zeiss	Blue edition	Software
Material
1/16 inch ID - Barbed Elbow Connectors	Qosina	11691
10 mL syringe	Fischer Scientific	14-955-459
2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin	Cayman Chemicals	16169	30% Dissolved in Phosphate buffered saline
40-micron filters	Fischer Scientific	NC1469671
CD41 antibody	Novus Biologicals	NB100-2614	1:600 Ratio in Whole Blood
Chrono-Par Collagen Reagent	Chrono Log Corporation	385	1:5 Ratio in 0.9% Saline
Electron Microscopy Sciences Miltex Biopsy Punch with Plunger, 3.0 mm	Fisher Scientific	NC0856599
Eppendorf Snap-Cap Microcentrifuge SafeLock Tubes, 1.5 mL	Fisher Scientific	05-402-25
Essendant 121oz. Clorox Germicidal Bleach	Fischer Scientific	50371500
Ethanol	Fisher Scientific	07-678-005	70%
Falcon Safety Dust Off DPSXLRCP Compressed Gas	Supra	1381978
Human TruStain	Biolegend	422302	1:600 Ratio in Whole Blood
LevGo smartSpatula Disposable Polypropylene Spatula	Fisher Scientific	18-001-017
Microscope Slides	Fisher Scientific	12-550-A3
Phosphate buffered saline	Gibco	10010-023
Safety Scalpel	Fisher Scientific	22-079-718
Saline	Millipore	567442	0.90%
Sartorius Polystyrene Weighing Boats	Fisher Scientific	13-735-744
Superslip Cover Slips - Superslip No. 1.5	Fisher Scientific	12-541-055
SYLGARD 184 Silicone Elastomer Kit	Fisher Scientific	NC9285739	Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
Ticagrelor	Cayman Chemicals	15425
Tygon PVC Clear Tubing 1/16" ID, 1/8" OD, 50 ft length	McMaster-Carr	6516T11
Ultra-Machinable 360 Brass Bar	McMaster-Carr	8954K721	For master mold fabrication
Vacutainers	BD	363083
World Precision Instrument Reusable Biopsy Punch, 1.5mm	Fisher Scientific	NC1215626