Investigation of microparticles clogging in vessel using two-way CFD-DEM coupling method for cell therapy

Abstract

Recellularization is the process of the repopulation of organs with organ-specific cell types or stem cells through direct injection or continuous perfusion. However, vessel clogging is a serious problem reducing the efficiency of the seeding process. This process combines two complex phenomena, cell motion and fluid flow, into one challenging system where multiple parameters can influence the general outcome. Moreover, it is difficult to experimentally study the clogging phenomenon in the whole organ. Thus, in this study, we applied a resolved two-way CFD-DEM coupling approach to simulate the dynamic cell seeding under perfusion conditions. This work can provide some evaluations and predictions to enhance the efficiency of recellularization process.