Interphase Interaction Effects on Lateral Migration of Cells in Microchannels.

Area of Science:

• Fluid Dynamics
• Biophysics
• Cellular Engineering

Background:

• Precise control of cell lateral positions in microchannels is essential for accurate cell isolation.
• Lateral migration in microchannels is influenced by various factors, including interphase forces, which are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simulation model for interphase interaction during cell-cell collisions.
• To analyze cell migration influenced by lateral lift and interphase forces.
• To provide mechanistic insights into intercellular dynamics for improved cell isolation systems.

Main Methods:

• Developed a simulation model to track interphase interaction evolution during cell-cell collisions.
• Systematically analyzed cell migration under combined lateral lift and interphase forces.
• Conducted experimental validation using microcapillary flow tests with blood cells and particles.

Main Results:

• At low Reynolds number (Re), lateral lift forces dominate, leading to equilibrium positions via collision and separation.
• At higher Re, increased collision velocity generates stronger interphase forces, causing rapid separation and transient lateral position shifts (up to 25% displacement).
• Observed transient secondary rings under high Re, attributed to interphase interactions.

Conclusions:

• Interphase forces play a critical role in cell migration dynamics within microchannels, particularly at higher flow rates.
• The developed model accurately predicts cell migration and offers insights for designing high-throughput, high-purity cell isolation systems.
• Understanding these forces is key to optimizing microfluidic cell manipulation.