Detecting hypersensitive platelets that cause thrombosis

Microfluidic deflection for high throughput single platelet sensitivity testing

Platelets are microscopic cells that clump together to form blood clots to prevent blood loss when blood vessels are damaged. However, hyperactive platelets can cause blood clotting inside vessels, called thrombosis, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Microfluidics, the transport of ultra-small volumes of fluid through miniature channels, can be used to measure the sensitivity of thousands of single platelets to different activation triggers. Using this approach, this PhD studentship at the University of Southampton will investigate whether some platelets are more sensitive than others (are they hyper-sensitive?) and if these platelets can be used as a marker for people who are at risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. The researchers will use microfluidics to determine if platelet sensitivity differs from one person to the next and if patterns coincide with factors such as age, diet and being a smoker. The microfluidic testing devices could be used at the point of care, such as in the hospital or the GP's surgery, to inform best patient care.