Blood compatible microfluidic system for pharmacokinetic studies in small animals

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Radiotracer development for nuclear medicine imaging necessitates real-time blood analysis in small animal models.
• Current methods face limitations in detection efficiency and required sample volume, particularly with rodents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a microfluidic device for real-time monitoring of blood radioactivity concentration in rats and mice.
• To enhance detection efficiency and reduce sample volume requirements for small animal nuclear imaging studies.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of microchannels using KMPR photoresist on p-i-n photodiodes.
• Surface passivation of microchannels for non-diluted whole blood flow.
• Integration of the microfluidic device into a portable blood counter system.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 4- to 19-fold improvement in detection efficiency compared to catheter-based devices.
• Demonstrated a linear dose-response relationship for radioactivity concentrations.
• Successfully measured the blood input function in rats in real time.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfluidic device significantly enhances detection efficiency for small animal nuclear imaging.
• This technology allows for reduced blood sample volumes without compromising sensitivity.
• The system provides a robust solution for real-time blood radioactivity analysis in preclinical research.