Microfluidic devices for studying coagulation biology

The ability to study the behavior of cells, proteins, and cell-cell or cell-protein interactions under dynamic forces such as shear stress under fluid flow, provides a more accurate understanding of the physiopathology of hemostasis. This review touches upon the traditional methods for studying blood coagulation and platelet aggregation and provides an overview on cellular and protein response to shear stress. We also elaborate on the biological aspects of how cells recognize mechanical forces and convert them into biochemical signals that can drive various signaling pathways. We give a detailed description of the various types of microfluidic devices that are employed to study the complex processes of platelet aggregation and blood coagulation under flow conditions as well as to investigate endothelial shear-response. We also highlight works mimicking artificial vessels as platforms to study the mechanisms of coagulation, and finish our review by describing anticipated clinical uses of microfluidics devices and their standardization.