Microfluidics to assess the impact of transfused blood components.

Abstract

Assessing the function of transfused blood components within the dynamic environment of the vascular system remains challenging, as conventional assays are largely static and poorly represent the dynamic mechanical and biochemical interactions between blood cells and the vessel wall. Microfluidic approaches, which study blood flow within small-scale channels, provide an opportunity to bridge this gap by introducing physiologically relevant flow and shear rates into experimental models. This review synthesises the current literature describing the application of microfluidic technologies to the assessment of transfused blood components, with particular emphasis on platelet concentrates, red cell concentrates and plasma-derived products. Across existing studies, microfluidic models have demonstrated differences in component function related to storage conditions, manufacturing methods and emerging transfusion products that are not always detected using conventional bulk assays. These approaches have provided new insights into platelet haemostasis at defined shear rates, red cell deformability and gas exchange, and plasma-mediated coagulation in trauma and critical illness. However, substantial diversity in device design, experimental conditions and analytical endpoints limits direct comparison between studies and constrains translation into routine practice. The development of more standardised platforms, alongside integration with endothelialised and organ-on-a-chip models, may help to overcome these challenges. Overall, microfluidics represents a promising tool for improving functional assessment of blood components and supporting future advances in transfusion medicine research and personalised transfusion strategies.