A Novel Anticoagulation Method Based on Electrochemical Characteristics of Blood: An in vitro Study

Abstract

This in vitro experimental investigation aimed to provide a novel method for preventing blood clotting based on the electrochemical characteristics of blood. Using this method in cases such as dialysis can minimize the risk of blood clots and also avoid hemorrhagic risk for patients. Blood samples were collected from 13 sheep (45 kg) (25 mL), and the clotting time (CT) was measured using a 20-min cutoff after they were separated into control and experimental samples. The test blood sample was put in a cell designed with two aluminum electrodes (positive pole/anode) located in a container containing 0.9% sodium chloride (as a salt bridge) and a platinum (negative pole/cathode) linked to a power supply (−3.5 V, 1 mA/cm<sup>2</sup>). Biochemical and hematological tests to check blood damage and clotting were performed. The control sample coagulated after 8 min, while the electrified blood did not, even at the end of the cutoff time. Among hematologic and biochemical tests, the average time of prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) was significantly different between the control and test samples (<i>p</i> = 0.001). Our findings on electrified blood with expanding CT, PT, and PTT times revealed that the electric current passing through the blood enhanced the CT. Furthermore, no change in biochemical or hematological factors demonstrated that this current had no detrimental effect on the blood.

Electrochemical Anticoagulant Method

“…Jahanbani et al designed a simple electrolysis device that successfully prevented blood clotting within 20 minutes under controlled in vitro conditions [37]. That chamber consisted of a cylindrical polypropylene container (diameter 3 cm and height 6 cm), two platinum electrodes (negative pole or cathode), and an aluminum electrode (positive pole or anode).…”

“…In summary, the characteristics of a suitable anticoagulant include the following: Anticoagulation should not change the size of blood cells, not cause hemolysis, prevent platelet aggregation or minimize their aggregation, not change the morphology of blood cells, and easily dissolve and spread in the blood [38,39]. Except for the last, which is related to chemical anticoagulants, according to the results of blood tests under the influence of electricity, it can be claimed that the described electrolysis cell of Jahanbani et al, includes the general characteristics of a safe anticoagulant [37]. Although the described electrolysis cell is intelligible and effective, it has not been investigated for implementation in clinical systems such as continuous blood flow; it is not yet clear whether this design can be used in systems with high blood flow rates (100-350 mL/min) and high blood volume that is maintained for a longer period to have the desired effect.…”