Hypoxia Responsiveness In Rbcs From Patients With Sickle Cell Disease Associates With A More Severe Clinical Phenotype

Abnormal cellular interactions and adhesion of blood cells to endothelium under hypoxic conditions are pathophysiologically central to Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Analysis of the germane cellular interactions in physiologically relevant flow and oxygen tension conditions is technically challenging. We developed a low-cost, single-use micro-gas exchanger, integrated with a microfluidic device, with which to evaluate the effects of hypoxia. This system can simulate a range of physiological conditions, under which to analyze red blood cell (RBC) adhesion to endothelial or sub-endothelial components (here fibronectin, FN, or laminin, LN).