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Updated: May 24, 2026
Micro-particle Image Velocimetry for Velocity Profile Measurements of Micro Blood Flows
Published on: April 25, 2013
Determination of the size distribution of blood microparticles directly in plasma using atomic force microscopy and
B A Ashcroft1, J de Sonneville, Y Yuana
1Leiden Institute of Physics, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Microparticles, also known as microvesicles, found in blood plasma, urine, and most other body fluids, may serve as valuable biomarkers of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, systemic inflammatory disease, thrombosis, and cancer. Unfortunately, the detection and quantification of microparticles are hampered by the microscopic size of these particles and their relatively low abundance in blood plasma. The use of a combination of microfluidics and atomic force microscopy to detect microparticles in blood plasma circumvents both problems. In this study, capture of a specific subset of microparticles directly from blood plasma on antibody-coated mica surface is demonstrated. The described method excludes isolation and washing steps to prepare microparticles, improves the detection sensitivity, and yields the size distribution of the captured particles. The majority of the captured particles have a size ranging from 30 to 90 nm, which is in good agreement with prior results obtained with microparticles immediately isolated from fresh plasma. Furthermore, the qualitative shape of the size distribution of microparticles is shown not to be affected by high-speed centrifugation or the use of the microfluidic circuit, demonstrating the relative stable nature of microparticles ex vivo.
Insights
This study introduces a novel microfluidics and atomic force microscopy method for detecting microparticles (MPs) in blood plasma. This technique enhances sensitivity and provides size distribution for disease biomarker discovery.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Microparticles (MPs), also known as microvesicles, are potential biomarkers for diseases like cancer and cardiovascular conditions.
- Detecting and quantifying MPs is challenging due to their small size and low concentration in blood plasma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sensitive method for detecting and characterizing microparticles in blood plasma.
- To overcome limitations in current microparticle detection techniques.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a combination of microfluidics and atomic force microscopy.
- Developed a method for direct capture of microparticles from blood plasma onto antibody-coated surfaces.
- Eliminated the need for isolation and washing steps.
Main Results:
- Successfully captured a specific subset of microparticles directly from blood plasma.
- Achieved improved detection sensitivity and obtained particle size distribution.
- Identified the majority of captured particles to be between 30 and 90 nm.
- Demonstrated that microparticle size distribution is stable ex vivo after centrifugation or microfluidic processing.
Conclusions:
- The integrated microfluidics and atomic force microscopy approach offers a sensitive and direct method for microparticle detection in blood plasma.
- This technique provides valuable insights into microparticle size distribution, crucial for biomarker applications.
- The stability of microparticles ex vivo supports their utility in diagnostic studies.
