Inertial Microfluidics-based Platform for Portable Platelet Apheresis Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Topic No.: N161-064 Topic Title: Inertial Microfluidics-based Platform for Portable Platelet Apheresis Proposal No.: N161-064-0323 Firm: CFD Research Corporation 701 McMillian Way NW Suite D Huntsville, Alabama 35806 Contact: Ketan Bhatt Phone: (256) 726-4908 Web Site: http://www.cfdrc.com Abstract: Hemorrhage remains a largely unsolved problem and a leading cause of preventable deaths in both civilian and military arenas. Component blood therapy constituting of equal ratios of pRBCs, fresh frozen plasma and platelets have been shown to decrease mortality in hemorrhage patients. Platelet units are currently unavailable at forward operating military treatment facilities due to their short shelf life. Collection of platelets from volunteer donors for just-in-time use is a possible alternative to overcome this shortcoming. Current platelet apheresis instruments are bulky and power-hungry making them unsuitable for field-use. The proposed effort aims to develop a portable platelet apheresis system based on inertial microfluidics to separate platelets from whole blood. The developed system will be lightweight, power-friendly, ruggedized and have a small footprint making it suitable for use in forward deployed settings. The system will include on-board sensor for accurate determination of platelet counts to provide for optimal platelet yield during the donation process. We have assembled a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, scientists and physicians with experience in microfluidics, sensing, integrated systems and blood banking to successfully develop the proposed system. Benefits: The proposed effort will develop a portable platelet apheresis system for use in forward deployed settings leading to availability of platelet units for treating hemorrhage patients. The system will be marketed to forward operating surgical teams in all branches of the military. The anticipated benefits in terms of power, weight and cost budget would allow the system to marketed in the civilian sector for use in resource limited settings such as during disaster relief efforts or in developing countries. Return