A Multiphase, Computational Model to Cognize Mechanical Stresses on Algae in Microfluidics

Microalgae are essential in health and the environment as they contribute approximately 50% of the atmospheric oxygen. These abundant microbes also have numerous applications from nutrition and pharmaceuticals to CO₂ sequestration and renewable energy. Here, we develop a computational modeling approach from an in-house algorithm, Particle-Surface Tribology Analysis Code, and couple this with soft lithography to understand microalgal flow dynamics and mechanical stresses. Through our approach, more efficient techniques could be developed for processing microalgae. Ultimately our goal is to optimize health and environmental contributions of microalgae.