Title :
Microfabricated microhaemorheometer
Author :
Tracey, M.C. ; Kaye, P.H. ; Shepherd, J.N.
Author_Institution :
Hatfield Polytech., UK
Abstract :
The authors investigate the application of silicon micromachining techniques to the measurement of erythrocyte deformability, a physiological parameter strongly linked to many aspects of cardiovascular disease. They provide an overview of microscopic blood flow-microhaemorheology, a topic which is intimately related to erythrocyte deformability. The need for refined techniques to measure deformability is derived from a critique of existing techniques. The specification of a more capable microhaemorheological instrument and discussion of the advantages of a microfabricated silicon implementation are given. A description of a particular implementation consisting of a bulk micromachined two-layer silicon-silicon device is outlined, with details of its fabrication steps, support system, and modus operandi. Initial experimental performance indications are described.<>
Keywords :
biological techniques and instruments; biorheology; biosensors; blood; cellular biophysics; electric sensing devices; elemental semiconductors; integrated circuit technology; silicon; Si; capillary; cardiovascular disease; measurement of erythrocyte deformability; microfabrication; microhaemorheology; microhaemorheometer; microscopic blood flow; two-layer Si-Si device; Biochemistry; Biomembranes; Blood flow; Cardiovascular diseases; Cells (biology); Diabetes; Educational institutions; Shape; Silicon; Time measurement;
Conference_Titel :
Solid-State Sensors and Actuators, 1991. Digest of Technical Papers, TRANSDUCERS '91., 1991 International Conference on
Conference_Location :
San Francisco, CA, USA
Print_ISBN :
0-87942-585-7
DOI :
10.1109/SENSOR.1991.148804
