Experimental and numerical study of platelets rolling on a von Willebrand factor-coated surface

Platelets are small anucleated blood cells that have an essential role in the process of hemostasis. In a wounded vessel, platelets adhere to the wall through ligand –receptor interactions and initiate coagulation. The large multimeric protein von Willebrand factor (vWF) is such a ligand [1]. At high shear rates, vWF unfolds and exposes platelet-binding domains [2,3]. The resulting platelet–vWF bonds are transient, causing platelets to roll along a vWF-expre ssing wall [4,5]. vWF can also mediate firm adhesion through interaction with activated integrin αIIbβ3 [6].

Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - March 26, 2018 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Justine S. Pujos, Mathilde Reyssat, Anne Le Goff Source Type: research