Modeling of dynamic platelet aggregation in response to shear rate micro-gradients in a microfluidics device

Cardiovascular diseases remain the main cause of death worldwide despite decades of intensive research. Understanding the role that hemodynamics play in dynamic platelet aggregation is fundamental to the development of new antithrombotic treatments able to minimise associated morbidity rates. In this paper we explore the dynamics of platelet aggregation in response to shear rate micro-gradients in vitro in a microfluidics device, and formulate dynamical linear models using system identification techniques. The proposed models provide insight into the mechanistic variables regulating platelet aggregation and warrant further work in the dynamic exploration of platelet mechanotransduction.