Microfabricated microhaemorheometer

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.<
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