Assessment of Computational Cell Model Benefits for Optimization of Microfluidic Devices

Abstract

This article describes the overview of the steps required to derive and validate a new model on cell behaviour in microfluidic devices, from the experimental approach to the computational model. The paper identifies the challenges of the biological side of the experiments and shows where computational power can be useful. It also emphasizes the necessity for the collaboration between the experimental and computational research groups. Computations can offer great insides into the mechanics of cells, however, interesting applications mainly arise from combining nunerics with experiments. Well calibrated and verified model can be used to improve the performance of a given microfluidic device by testing various geometries and thus lowering the number of devices that need to be produced. Choosing several designs of microfluidic devices one tries to demonstrate the wide range of possible uses of the microfluidic technology and how the computations can