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Controlled Microfluidic Environment for Dynamic Investigation of Red Blood Cell Aggregation
Published on: June 4, 2015
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Human red blood cell behavior under homogeneous extensional flow in a hyperbolic-shaped microchannel
T Yaginuma1, M S N Oliveira2, R Lima3
1Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, ESTiG/IPB, Portugal.
Biomicrofluidics
|January 10, 2014
Summary
Microfluidic devices with hyperbolic contractions can measure red blood cell (RBC) deformability, crucial for diagnosing diseases affecting blood flow and capillary blockage. This technology aids in understanding RBC-related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Fluid Mechanics
- Hematology
Background:
- Pathological conditions reduce red blood cell (RBC) deformability, impairing microcirculation and potentially causing ischemia.
- Accurate measurement of RBC deformability is vital for diagnosing RBC-related diseases.
- Microfluidic systems offer a promising platform for quantitative analysis of RBC behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a microfluidic system for quantifying human RBC deformation.
- To investigate the impact of extensional flow rates on RBC deformability and cell distribution.
- To assess the potential of hyperbolic microchannels for clinical diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- A microfluidic chip with a hyperbolic contraction followed by a sudden expansion was designed.
- Human RBCs were subjected to controlled homogeneous extensional flow.
- Deformation index (DI) and centerline velocity of RBCs were measured at various flow rates.
- The particle Reynolds number's effect on RBC deformation was analyzed.
Main Results:
- RBC deformation reached a plateau dependent on the extension rate in the constant extensional flow region.
- A sudden expansion significantly increased the cell-free layer (CFL) downstream.
- Beyond a specific flow rate, inlet flow had a minimal impact on downstream CFL enhancement.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic systems with hyperbolic channels can separate RBCs and assess deformability for clinical applications.
- Careful selection of geometry and measurement regions is critical for accurate clinical assessment of RBC deformability.
- This technology holds potential for diagnosing circulatory diseases through in vitro analysis.
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