Researcher(s)
- Joseph Bockrath, Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Norman Wagner, Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware
- Sean Farrington, Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware
Abstract
Blood rheology is vital for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases and understanding irregular blood flow. Rheology is the study of flow and deformation and is typically measured with a cumbersome machine called a rheometer. Rheometers provide accurate viscosity to shear rate relationships that could be used in diagnostics, but are costly, inefficient, and require large sample volumes. In this study, we explore the potential of microfluidics as an alternative method for analyzing blood viscosity. Particle image velocimetry is used to track velocities in microscopic images. These velocity profiles are then fit to the Poiseuille equation to establish viscosity versus shear rate relationships. The results from microfluidics are comparable to data from an ARES-G2 strain-controlled rheometer. This study highlights microfluidics as a cost-effective and efficient tool for studying blood fluid dynamics, offering insights that could enhance diagnostic practices in cardiovascular health.Â