Simulated Red Blood Cell Motion in Microvessel Bifurcations: Effects of Cell-Cell Interactions on Cell Partitioning

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Hemodynamics
• Microcirculation

Background:

• Red blood cell (RBC) partitioning in microvessel bifurcations is typically skewed towards higher flow branches.
• Understanding factors influencing RBC distribution is crucial for microcirculatory function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of cell-cell mechanical interactions on RBC partitioning at microvessel bifurcations.
• To model RBC motion and deformation considering viscoelastic properties and flow dynamics.

Main Methods:

• A two-dimensional computational model simulating RBCs as viscoelastic elements in low Reynolds number flow.
• Analysis of various two-cell interaction scenarios: trade-off, herding, and following.

Main Results:

• Cell-cell interactions, primarily 'trade-offs,' lead to more uniform RBC partitioning.
• 'Herding' and 'following' interactions partially counteract the uniform partitioning effect.
• Increased hematocrit enhances interaction frequency, promoting more uniform RBC distribution.

Conclusions:

• Cell-cell mechanical interactions significantly modulate RBC partitioning in bifurcations.
• The balance between different interaction types determines the overall partitioning pattern.
• Model predictions align with experimental observations regarding hematocrit's effect on RBC distribution.