Dynamics of cells flowing at metres per second

Objective

The motion and deformation of cells flowing in a fluid medium is a fundamental scientific problem that lies at the heart of numerous biological and biomedical processes, ranging from infection to microfluidic-based label-free isolation of cancer cells from patient blood. While extensive studies have been focused on the flow-induced deformation of cells subjected to low-speed flows, little is understood about the cell dynamics and rheology in the metres-per-second fast-flow regime, due to great technical challenges in both experiments and computational modelling. This multidisciplinary fellowship project will integrate the fellow’s strong expertise in high-fidelity computational modelling of fluid-structure interaction and model order reduction, with the host’s expertise in cell biomechanics, high-speed imaging and microfluidics experimentation. Its overarching vision is to deliver a breakthrough in our fundamental understanding and high-fidelity computational modelling of the transient deformation of suspended cells in the metres-per-second fast-flow regime. The breakthrough will fill a longstanding knowledge gap, and make possible a wealth of ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in biophysical, biomechanical and biomedical disciplines, ranging from understanding the fast flow-induced cell stretching for intracellular delivery of genes for cell editing, to high-fidelity simulation-based design of ultrahigh-throughput flow technologies that can sort cells with different physical properties based on their distinct flow trajectories. Through carefully planned knowledge transfer, dissemination and trainings, the fellowship will significantly enhance the fellow’s career perspective for independence, and contribute to the EU Research and Innovation Strategy in improving and protecting people's health.