Overview

Platelet adhesion, aggregation and thrombi formation (blood clot) can easily be studied using Cellix's microfluidic pumps and biochips. The dimensions of the biochips can mimic those of human capillaries thereby enabling researchers to simulate in vivo microenvironments. A key additional benefit of using microfluidics is the reduction in sample volume required for experiments. This is particularly important when using whole blood. Typically a sample of 10-40mL is taken from donors in vacutainers which are citronated to prevent clotting. Despite the treatment, a researcher only has limited time (2-3 hours) before the blood will inevitably clot. Therefore speed and throughput are vital. Cellix's 8-channel Mirus Evo Nanopump enables researchers to conduct up to 8 assays simultaneously in microfluidic biochips which may be pre-coated with VWF, collagen, fibrinogen or other proteins of interest. Cellix's Vena8 Fluoro+ biochip is compatible with confocal microscopy making it particularly attractive for applications in thrombosis.

Assays:

• platelet observation under shear flow
• platelet rolling, adhesion & aggregation assays
• platelet-endothelial cell interaction studies
• investigation of anticoagulant / anti-platelet therapies