Effects of non-linear flow on cell aggregation: role of spatial and temporal variations in inter-particle forces

Cone-plate viscometry was used to study platelet and neutrophil aggregation kinetics. Cells circulating in suspension was subjected to i) time-varying forces and ii) an overall increase in the magnitude of inter-particle forces relative to primary flow. A biomolecular kinetic model was applied to estimate the cell adhesion efficiency. Results indicate that secondary flow at G = 1500/s causes up to a 40% reduction in adhesion efficiency relative to linear flow. Furthermore, increased inter-cellular forces due to secondary flow, augment the disaggregation kinetics of neutrophils.