MICRODX—POINT-OF-CARE MICROPARTICLE DETECTION SYSTEM

Abstract

The following is the Final Report for the MicroDx—Point-of-Care Microparticle Detection System. This system was constructed under the sponsorship of the Arizona Center for Accelerated Biomedical Innovation (ACABI). ACABI is based at the University of Arizona and specializes in developing solutions for unmet medical needs. One such medical need stems from platelet-derived microparticles (PDMPs). PDMPs are generated when blood is exposed to supraphysiological shear forces, which typically occurs as a result of blood-contacting medical devices. After exposure to these extreme shear forces, platelets will shred apart into PDMPs, which range in size from 100-1000 nm. Elevated levels of PDMPs have been linked to overall increased thrombotic risk. There are currently no available point-of-care devices that can detect PDMPs within a blood sample, and the MicroDx system will be the first to do this. There are 3 phases of the MicroDx system that are discussed more in-depth within the project description. The goal for the 2021-2022 Senior Design Project Team was to complete Phase I, where the average size of synthetic microparticles within a size range of 500-1000 nm is calculated. In conjunction with Phase II and III, the MicroDx system will be a low cost device that can function on a clinical tabletop and detect PDMPs within the size range of 500-1000 nm. The MicroDx system will use the optical technique of dynamic light scattering to analyze patient blood samples. As a result, the system will determine the average size and concentration distribution of the PDMPs within these blood samples. A GUI will be used to control the system and display the size and concentration results. Lastly, the system will be capable of creating, saving, and exporting up to five data files.