Hemostasis-On-Chip

Current laboratory strategies for the evaluation of hemostasis require a combination of routine and specialized tests to independently assess the cellular (platelets) or plasma (coagulation) components of hemostasis.The evaluation of thrombotic disorders implies the analysis of presence and function of activators and inhibitors of coagulation mechanisms. Monitoring anti-platelet therapy or assessing potential risk of bleeding or thrombosis requires specialized equipments, specific devices and definition of cut-off values for each drug. 

A common limitation of the majority of tests applied to the evaluation of hemostasis is that they are performed under static conditions, on samples of plasma or enriched platelet suspensions. In contrast with these static tests, bleeding or thrombotic complications occur in whole blood flowing through damaged vessels. Thus, current tests applied to the evaluation of hemostasis provide a fragmented view of isolated components of the hemostasis disregarding the interactions that must necessarily occur in flowing blood.  The goal of this project is to  develop POC devices that could efficiently and reliably evaluate the contribution of platelets and coagulation mechanism in blood samples at patients´ bedside.

Publications:

Lopez, I.;Mir, E.;Casals-Terré, J.; Pegueroles, Marta; Arellano, E.; Diaz-Ricart M.; Escolar, G.; Microfluidic systems with vascular biomimetic surfaces for assessment of platelets and fibrin components of hemostasis: comparison with a classic annular device in the evaluation of the antithrombotic effects of apixaban. International Society On Thrombosis And Haemostasis ISTH 2017 Congress 8-13 July 2017 Berlin 

Shadi Karimi, Josep Farré-Lladós, Enrique Mir, Ginés Escolar and Jasmina Casals-Terré; Hemostasis-On-a-Chip: Impedance Spectroscopy Meets Microfluidics for Hemostasis Evaluation Micromachines 2019, 10(8), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi10080534