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Published on: May 1, 2018
Numerical characterization of diffusion-based extraction in cell-laden flow through a microfluidic channel.
K K Fleming1, E K Longmire, A Hubel
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 1100 Mechanical Engineering, 111 Church Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering
|September 25, 2007
Summary
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) removal from cell suspensions is crucial for medical applications. This study developed a numerical model to optimize DMSO extraction, ensuring patient safety and minimizing cell loss during cryopreservation processes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Cryopreservation of cells for medical use relies on dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
- Infusing DMSO-laden cell suspensions causes adverse patient reactions.
- Existing DMSO extraction methods lead to substantial cell loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a numerical model for characterizing DMSO extraction from cell suspensions.
- To identify optimal channel geometry and flow conditions for efficient DMSO removal.
- To enable processing of clinical cell volumes at rates of 2-3 ml/min.
Main Methods:
- A diffusion-based numerical model was employed to simulate DMSO extraction.
- The model considered DMSO diffusion across cell membranes and channel depth.
- Simulations analyzed various dimensionless parameters including Peclet number and cell membrane permeability.
Main Results:
- DMSO extraction efficiency is dependent on channel depth fraction, Peclet number, cell volume fraction, and membrane permeability.
- Diffusion across cell membranes was faster than across channel depth for relevant parameters.
- A channel device with practical dimensions can effectively remove DMSO from mesoscale cell volumes.
Conclusions:
- The numerical model provides a framework for optimizing DMSO extraction devices.
- Practical channel dimensions and flow conditions can achieve efficient contaminant removal.
- This research supports safer medical applications of cryopreserved cells by addressing DMSO toxicity concerns.
