Microcapsules and cells in flow

Anne-Virginie Salsac, Anne Le Goff, Badr Kaoui , Dominique Barthès-Biesel, Rachid Jellali, Claire Dupont

We are mainly interested in the study of simple capsules, which are made of an internal drop protected by a thin membrane. They may have different mechanical properties depending on the wall physicochemical composition and generation method. We study the behavior of microcapsules in free suspension flowing in simple shear flows or in narrow channels, such as microfluidic pores or capillary vessels. We have developed 3D numerical codes to model the capsule motion in the various flow fields and innovative experimental devices to determine their mechanical properties and optimize their conception. In parallel, we use microfluidic techniques for diverse other applications: production of microcapsules with controlled size and properties, suspension enrichment, on-demand platelet generation (Figure 1).

a  b 

Figure 1: a Microfluidic experimental platform. b Development of numerical models of capsule suspensions under flow.

Project

  • Modeling of the motion of capsules in flow : Anne-Virginie Salsac, Badr Kaoui, Dominique Barthès-Biesel, Claire Dupont
  • Characterization, fabrication and sorting of microcapsules using microfluidic techniques : Anne-Virginie Salsac, Anne Le Goff, Dominique Barthès-Biesel, Rachid Jellali
  • Release of internal encapsulated substance with or without external stimulation : Badr Kaoui, Anne-Virginie Salsac
  • Study of the adhesion of platelets in flow by a textured surface : Anne Le Goff
  • Study of circulating cells in microchips : Anne Le Goff, Anne-Virginie Salsac