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Hydrodynamic resistance and mobility of deformable objects in microfluidic channels
P Sajeesh1, M Doble1, A K Sen1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras , Chennai-600036, India and Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras , Chennai-600036, India.
Biomicrofluidics
|December 25, 2014
Summary
This study investigates how droplet and cell properties affect their movement and resistance in microchannels. We developed a formula to predict hydrodynamic resistance and mobility, validated with experiments and simulations.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Microfluidics
- Biophysics
Background:
- Understanding the hydrodynamic behavior of deformable objects in microchannels is crucial for various applications.
- Factors like size, viscosity, and mechanical properties influence object deformability, mobility, and resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally and theoretically investigate the hydrodynamic behavior of deformable objects (droplets and cells) in microchannels.
- To establish correlations between object properties and their hydrodynamic responses.
- To measure the bulk hydrodynamic resistance of biological cells.
Main Methods:
- Experimental measurements of droplet deformability, mobility, and hydrodynamic resistance.
- Development of a theoretical model for droplet mobility and resistance.
- Numerical simulations using the volume-of-fluid model.
- Experimental measurement of bulk hydrodynamic resistance of biological cells.
Main Results:
- Droplet deformability depends on size and viscosity ratios.
- A novel mathematical formula was derived to predict single droplet hydrodynamic resistance.
- Theoretical model predictions for droplet mobility and resistance align well with experimental data.
- Bulk hydrodynamic resistance of cells correlates with concentration and apparent viscosity.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive understanding of deformable object hydrodynamics in microchannels.
- The developed models and formulas offer predictive capabilities for microfluidic design.
- Insights into cell hydrodynamic resistance can inform bioprocessing and diagnostics.
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