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Vortical flow structures induced by red blood cells in capillaries
François Yaya1,2, Johannes Römer3, Achim Guckenberger3
1Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.
Microcirculation (New York, N.Y. : 1994)
|March 5, 2021
Summary
Investigating red blood cell (RBC) flow in capillaries reveals unique plasma flow dynamics. Vortices form between RBCs, with rotation speed depending on cell proximity, impacting microparticle transport.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Biophysics
- Microcirculation
Background:
- Understanding plasma flow around red blood cells (RBCs) is crucial for blood flow physics.
- This knowledge aids in comprehending the transport of micro- and nanoparticles and molecules within plasma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the flow field surrounding RBCs in capillary flow.
- To complement experimental findings with simulations of vortical flow between RBCs.
Main Methods:
- Red blood cells were introduced into a 10 × 12 µm microchannel at low hematocrit.
- High-speed cameras tracked 250 nm nanoparticles as tracers to visualize the flow field around one or two RBCs.
Main Results:
- The flow field around a 'croissant'-shaped RBC resembles that of a rigid sphere.
- A 'slipper'-shaped RBC generated a small vortex at its rear.
- Pronounced vortex-like structures were observed between neighboring 'croissant'-shaped RBCs.
Conclusions:
- The rotation frequency of observed vortices is inversely proportional to the distance between RBCs.
- Experimental results were validated and enhanced by numerical simulations.
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