Biomimetic Precapillary Flow Patterns for Enhancing Blood Plasma Separation: A Preliminary Study

• Main Authors: Bumseok Namgung, Justin Kok Soon Tan, Peter Agustinus Wong, Sung-Yong Park, Hwa Liang Leo, Sangho Kim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2016-09-01
• Series: Sensors
• Subjects: microfluidics; cell-free layer; hydrodynamic separation; hemodynamics
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/16/9/1543

In this study, a biomimetic microfluidic plasma separation device is discussed. The design of the device drew inspiration from in vivo observations of enhanced cell-free layer (CFL) formation downstream of vascular bifurcations. The working principle for the plasma separation was based on the plasma skimming effect in an arteriolar bifurcation, which is modulated by CFL formation. The enhancement of the CFL width was achieved by a local hematocrit reduction near the collection channel by creating an uneven hematocrit distribution at the bifurcation of the channel. The device demonstrated a high purity of separation (~99.9%) at physiological levels of hematocrit (~40%).