Computational Modeling of Firmly Adhered Cell and Blood Flow Interactions in a Micro-Channel

The interactions of cells with dynamic blood flow as they adhere firmly to a micro-channel wall are investigated. The cell is modeled either as a rigid solid or an elastic solid protrusion on a micro-channel wall. Blood is simulated using a validated non-Newtonian blood viscosity model (Walburn and Schneck model). We determine the effects of cell deformability on the force generated on the cell as the deformation progresses. The amplifications of mechanical stress and force on an adherent cell due to blood flow in a micro-channel are predicted. This two-dimensional model is solved by the finite volume package (CFDRC, CFD Research Corporation). This study shows that the pressure drop and drag force on the adherent cell are sensitive to the cell’s morphology, especially for the large ratio of cell diameter to channel height (d/D>0.5), the stresses and forces of deformable cells can be much smaller than that predicted based on the rigid cell model. These calculations may be used to predict blood flow interactions with cells in a micro-vessel. The modeling approach is useful in understanding the behaviors in cell adhesion and rolling.