Blood clotting in space

We describe herein a novel in vitro approach that can be used effectively to obtain valuable insights into the role of platelets, various coagulation proteins as well as proteins of the subendothelial extracellular matrix involved in the hemostatic and thrombotic processes occurring under microgravity. At difference with other experimental approaches proposed in the past our device operates in a closed system and under different shear forces, which better mimics flow conditions occurring in vessels. Furthermore our device by allowing real time monitoring of the thrombotic process and its underlying mechanisms can be regarded as a reliable system for the precise assessment of platelet function.