Numerical modeling of the process of erythrocytes aggregation in experiment with micropipets

The numerical finite element method is proposed as a method to model the erythrocyte aggregation process. The results of the simulation of an experiment are presented in which hydraulic micropipettes were used to form a pair of erythrocyte aggregates in a dextran medium with a molecular mass of 150 kDa. The parameters of erythrocyte aggregation were determined: the value of pressure normal to the surface of erythrocytes, which attracts them; size of the contact zone; erythrocyte membrane strain energy; by comparing the results obtained experimentally and performed numerical simulation. The mathematical modeling of the erythrocyte aggregation process was performed taking into account shear stresses. The shear stress values were obtained using the Couette model and compared with the results of experiments on the separation of paired aggregates of erythrocytes.