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Synthetic artificial platelets: Design, structure, properties
Anna K Chumicheva1, Ekaterina A Didenko1, Anastasiia V Igushkina1
1Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Federal Territory "Sirius", Krasnodarskiy Kray, Russian Federation.
Biomaterials Advances
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Artificial platelets mimic natural blood cells to stop bleeding and target cancer. This review explores their development as drug delivery platforms, assessing risks and future directions for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Hematology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Platelets are crucial for hemostasis, but transfusions have limitations.
- Artificial platelets offer a promising alternative by mimicking natural platelet functions.
- These synthetic particles can target vascular damage and cancer cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review platelets-inspired synthetic systems.
- To analyze components like ligands, carriers, and linkers for artificial platelets.
- To assess their potential as drug delivery platforms and their clinical trial status.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of functional targets, ligands (proteins/peptides), carrier types, and linkers.
- Review of strategies for selective activation at vascular injury sites.
- Critical assessment of biocompatibility and immunological risks.
Main Results:
- Artificial platelets show potential for accumulation at vascular damage sites and cancer cell recognition.
- The review summarizes preclinical and clinical trial data.
- Key areas for development include particle size, flexibility, material safety, and ligand decoration.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic artificial platelets are a promising alternative to donor transfusions.
- Further development is needed in material properties and targeting strategies.
- This review provides a roadmap for translating artificial platelets into clinical applications.
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Structure and Function of Platelets
The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Formation of the Platelet Plug
The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...

