Multiscale Model of Clogging in Microfluidic Devices with Grid-Like Geometries

TL;DR

This paper introduces a coarse-grained theoretical model to understand clogging in microfluidic devices with grid-like geometries, accounting for device aging under different flow conditions, validated against simulations and experimental data.

Contribution

The study presents a novel coarse-grained model for clogging in microfluidic devices, incorporating device aging and validated with simulations and experimental data.

Findings

Model accurately predicts clogging behavior under various conditions

Good agreement between model, simulations, and experiments

Applicable to medical microfluidic device design

Abstract

We propose a coarse-grained theoretical model to capture the aging of microfluidic devices under different conditions including constant applied flow rate and constant applied pressure gradient. Microfluidic devices that sort cells by their deformability hold significant promise for medical applications. However, clogging in these microfluidic systems causes their properties to change over time and potentially limits their reliability. We compare the results of the coarse-grained model to those of stochastic simulations and to existing theoretical studies. Lastly, we apply the model to experimental data on the clogging of sickle red blood cells and discuss its wider applicability.