Differentiating Between Tension Loss and Lysis in Fibrin Fibers (2012)

Undergraduate: Igal Bucay

Faculty Advisor: Michael Falvo
Department: Physics & Astronomy

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Fibrin functions as a temporary hemostatic plug after the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin by thrombin. Fibrinolysis is the plasmin-mediated dissolution of fibrin and is of critical medical relevance since the failure of fibrinolysis can lead to serious consequences, such as pulmonary embolism, heart attacks, and strokes. Though little is known about the mechanical properties of fibrinolysis, this study hopes to elucidate and introduce some of those properties, starting with the differentiation of fibrinolysis and fibrin elongation, a phenomenon in which the fibrin fiber does not fully lyse but instead elongates. Particular attention is paid to the elongation dependence (or lack thereof) on plasmin concentration and thrombin concentration. The observation of progressive disaggregation of the fibrin fibers demonstrates that fibrin elongation is independent of plasmin concentration and instead depends on either the fiber diameter or initial tension of the fibers, which could be determined by the thrombin concentration during hemostasis.