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Vortical flow structures induced by red blood cells in capillaries
Author(s) -
Yaya François,
Römer Johannes,
Guckenberger Achim,
John Thomas,
Gekle Stephan,
Podgorski Thomas,
Wagner Christian
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
microcirculation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.793
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1549-8719
pISSN - 1073-9688
DOI - 10.1111/micc.12693
Subject(s) - vortex , red blood cell , capillary action , blood flow , flow (mathematics) , microchannel , hematocrit , mechanics , materials science , chemistry , physics , biology , medicine , composite material , biochemistry , endocrinology
Objective Knowledge about the flow field of the plasma around the red blood cells in capillary flow is important for a physical understanding of blood flow and the transport of micro‐ and nanoparticles and molecules in the flowing plasma. We conducted an experimental study on the flow field around red blood cells in capillary flow that is complemented by simulations of vortical flow between red blood cells. Methods Red blood cells were injected in a 10 × 12 µm rectangular microchannel at a low hematocrit, and the flow field around one or two cells was captured by a high‐speed camera that tracked 250 nm nanoparticles in the flow field, acting as tracers. Results While the flow field around a steady “croissant” shape is found to be similar to that of a rigid sphere, the flow field around a “slipper” shape exhibits a small vortex at the rear of the red blood cell. Even more pronounced are vortex‐like structures observed in the central region between two neighboring croissants. Conclusions The rotation frequency of the vortices is to a good approximation, inversely proportional to the distance between the cells. Our experimental data are complemented by numerical simulations.