Portable optical microfluidic system for analysing trombocite aggregation in whole blood flow

A portable optical fluorescence microscope has been developed for evaluating blood samples to perform rapid diagnostics and staging of various diseases by analyzing fluorescent markers and optical cell images. Distinctive features of the microscope include the ability to tilt both the optical axis and the stage equipped with a flow chamber. Tilting the optical axis enables cell movement within the chamber driven by gravity, mimicking the natural flow of cells in the body. This experimental setup allows investigations to be conducted without syringe or peristaltic pumps, which can affect the studied cells, damage them, and complicate the interpretation of analysis results. A series of blood sample studies in flow chambers demonstrated that the developed portable system reproduces results on par with a full-scale stationary fluorescence microscope for platelet thrombus growth on a fibrillar collagen substrate. The compact and portable design of the device ensures easy transportation, enabling research in field laboratories and medical institutions that lack specialized equipment for diagnosing uncommon and rare diseases.

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