Modeling Blood Flow in Microcirculation: An In Vitro Study Using Capillary Microchannels

Abstract

Microcirculatory blood flow is influenced by complex non-Newtonian properties, including shear-thinning behavior and the presence of a cell-free layer (CFL), a plasma-rich zone near vessel walls caused by hydrodynamic forces. Existing rheological models, such as Newtonian, Power Law, and Carreau, capture certain aspects of blood properties but fail to fully describe its dynamic flow characteristics. This study introduces the Core-Plasma Model, which combines Newtonian and non-Newtonian elements to represent the RBC core and CFL as a two-phase system. Evaluation across microchannel sizes and hematocrits highlights the Core-Plasma Model’s superiority in
capturing velocity profiles and shear dynamics, particularly in channels with larger CFLs. The Core-Plasma Model stands out as a promising tool for advancing microscale hemodynamic predictions and understanding microvascular flow.