# An Acoustofluidic Device for Biocompatible Platelet Separation

> **NIH NIH R44** · ASCENT BIO-NANO TECHNOLOGIES, INC. · 2022 · $771,263

## Abstract

Abstract
Isolating a high-purity, high-quality, and high-concentration platelet sample in an efficient and cost-
effective manner is of paramount importance to both hematological research and clinical therapy
settings. Even though there are several methods for isolating platelets on the market today, most current
methods have low biocompatibility (i.e., activate platelets, alter their morphology, and reduce membrane
integrity during the platelet separation process). These drawbacks detract from the overall utility of
current practices, and can even have a negative impact on patients. For example, measurements of
platelet units in U.S. hospitals have found that platelet activation rates range between 23% to 50%.
Studies have shown that when patients receive activated platelets, they require more platelet transfusion
than patients who receive non-activated platelets. Overall, up to 30% of platelet transfusions performed
in the U.S. are ineffective. Although there are many factors that influence the clinical outcomes of platelet
transfusions, the quality of isolated platelets has been shown to play a crucial role. The objective of this
SBIR project is to overcome the limitations of existing platelet separation technologies and address the
unmet needs in the market by developing and commercializing a biocompatible platelet separation and
enrichment platform using acoustofluidic (i.e., the fusion of acoustics and fluid mechanics) technologies.
During our work on the Phase I project, we successfully demonstrated the utility and feasibility of the
proposed biocompatible platelet separation and enrichment devices by meeting or exceeding the target
values for each of the six key parameters identified in the Measures of Success. In Phase II, our
commercialization activities will improve the performance of the acoustofluidic-based platelet separation
and enrichment chips, develop self-contained, beta-testing-ready prototypes, and validate their
performance with end users. The proposed acoustofluidic technology will have significantly improved
biocompatibility when compared to the benchmark technologies (isolating platelets that are more
morphologically and chemically intact). We believe that our superior biocompatibility compared to
traditional platelet isolation techniques will enable the development and commercialization of an
acoustofluidic platform that has the potential to significantly improve the effectiveness, speed, and
economy of both clinical and research applications of platelets.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10458102
- **Project number:** 5R44HL140800-03
- **Recipient organization:** ASCENT BIO-NANO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Lin Wang
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $771,263
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-15 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10458102

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10458102, An Acoustofluidic Device for Biocompatible Platelet Separation (5R44HL140800-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10458102. Licensed CC0.

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