Deformation and rupture of vesicles confined in narrow channels

Abstract

Using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the rheological properties of lipid bilayer vesicles as they travel in tight capillaries, such as those found in the vasculature and micro-fluidic devices. By varying the channel size, we study the build-up of tension as the flow increases with the aim of predicting the location of lysis and the mechanisms of rupture. Highly confined, fully inflated vesicles show the greatest stress and rupture near their front tip. We also simulate vesicles with reduced volume v = 0.6, the same reduced volume as red blood cells, to show how stress builds up in those objects in various conditions.