Numerical Simulation of Cell Migration and Deformation with Flow Using a Coupled Lattice Boltzmann and Phase-Field Method

Abstract

A coupled model of lattice Boltzmann (LB) and phase-field method is proposed to study cell migration and deformation patterns in Poiseuille flow. The cell phase-field model is used to simulate the cell evolution over time, while the lattice Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (LBGK) model is used to simulate fluid flow. The model is validated by performing simulations of cells head-on collision and plane Poiseuille flow. The study investigates the effects of initial position, shape energy $\mu$, elasticity modulus $\gamma$, and cell radius R on cell migration and deformation behavior. The impact of fluid velocity in Poiseuille flow on cell migration and deformation is investigated. The results demonstrate the potential of the present model for simulating the dynamics of cell behavior, and providing guidance for hemodynamic studies considering cells in microcirculation.