Finite element simulations of hydrodynamic trapping in microfluidic particle-trap array systems

Area of Science:

• Fluid dynamics
• Biophysics
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Microfluidic systems are crucial for manipulating small particles like cells and beads.
• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations offer a powerful method for designing and analyzing these systems.
• Understanding hydrodynamic behavior is key for precise particle manipulation in microfluidic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate hydrodynamic trapping of microspheres in a novel microfluidic particle-trap array using finite element simulations.
• To validate simulation accuracy against experimental results for microsphere motion.
• To analyze the influence of device geometry and fluid velocity on trapping efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Finite element simulations were employed to model microsphere dynamics.
• The simulation approach was validated using experimental data.
• Analysis included fluid velocity, pressure fields, and forces acting on microspheres.

Main Results:

• Simulation accurately predicted microsphere motion towards traps.
• Key geometric parameters and critical fluid velocities affecting hydrodynamic trapping were identified.
• Detailed insights into fluid dynamics, pressure, and forces within the microfluidic trap array were obtained.

Conclusions:

• The study provides valuable information for designing microfluidic devices and optimizing experimental operations for hydrodynamic trapping.
• An openly available simulation model in COMSOL Multiphysics is provided for researchers.
• This work supports biomedical research in areas like cell transport, microvessel blood flow, and drug delivery.