PyOIF: Computational tool for modelling of multi-cell flows in complex geometries

Area of Science:

• Computational biology
• Fluid dynamics
• Biophysics

Background:

• Microfluidic devices are crucial for cell sorting, rare cell isolation, and flow fractionation.
• Computational models are essential for understanding cell behavior in fluid environments.
• Simulating cell mechanics and interactions requires robust software tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce PyOIF, a user-friendly software package for cell flow modeling.
• To provide a validated computational model for simulating biological cells in fluid.
• To enable research on microfluidic devices and cell membrane mechanics.

Main Methods:

• PyOIF implements a computational model based on Python objects and a C++ core.
• The software simulates single cells, many cells, and dense cell suspensions.
• It analyzes cell-cell interactions and membrane properties in flow.

Main Results:

• PyOIF can simulate various cell flow scenarios, including cell sorting and rare cell isolation.
• The software allows for the investigation of cell membrane mechanical properties.
• Dense suspension simulations reveal macroscopic phenomena like cell-free layers and viscosity.

Conclusions:

• PyOIF offers a robust and validated platform for cell flow modeling.
• The software supports diverse applications in microfluidics and computational biophysics.
• Open-source availability and user support foster community engagement and further development.