Application of Mathematical Modeling and Numerical Simulation of Blood Biomarker Transport in Paper-Based Microdevices

This study introduces a novel mathematical model tailored to the unique fluid dynamics of paper-based microfluidic devices (PBMDs), focusing specifically on the transport behavior of human blood plasma, albumin, and heat. Unlike previous models that depend on generic commercial software, our custom-...

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Main Authors: Carlos E. Zambra, Diógenes Hernandez, Jorge O. Morales-Ferreiro, Diego Vasco
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Mathematics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/13/12/1936
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author Carlos E. Zambra
Diógenes Hernandez
Jorge O. Morales-Ferreiro
Diego Vasco
author_facet Carlos E. Zambra
Diógenes Hernandez
Jorge O. Morales-Ferreiro
Diego Vasco
author_sort Carlos E. Zambra
collection DOAJ
description This study introduces a novel mathematical model tailored to the unique fluid dynamics of paper-based microfluidic devices (PBMDs), focusing specifically on the transport behavior of human blood plasma, albumin, and heat. Unlike previous models that depend on generic commercial software, our custom-developed computational incorporates the Richards equation to extend Darcy’s law for more accurately capturing capillary-driven flow and thermal transport in porous paper substrates. The model’s predictions were validated through experimental data and demonstrated high accuracy in both two- and three-dimensional simulations. Key findings include new analytical expressions for uniform paper wetting after sudden geometric expansions and the discovery that plasma and albumin preferentially migrate along paper edges—a phenomenon driven by surface tension and capillary effects that varies with paper type. Additionally, heat transfer analysis indicates that a one-minute equilibration period is necessary for the reaction zone to reach ambient temperature, an important parameter for assay timing. These insights provide a deeper physical understanding of PBMD operation and establish a robust modeling tool that bridges experimental and computational approaches, offering a foundation for the optimized design of next-generation diagnostic devices for biomedical applications.
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spelling doaj-art-10fda9ddec2349fc8dcaab60a15427cf2025-08-20T03:16:34ZengMDPI AGMathematics2227-73902025-06-011312193610.3390/math13121936Application of Mathematical Modeling and Numerical Simulation of Blood Biomarker Transport in Paper-Based MicrodevicesCarlos E. Zambra0Diógenes Hernandez1Jorge O. Morales-Ferreiro2Diego Vasco3Department of Industrial Technologies, Faculty of Engineering, University of Talca, Curicó 3640000, ChileDepartment of Industrial Technologies, Faculty of Engineering, University of Talca, Curicó 3640000, ChileEscuela de Ingeniería, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Providencia, Santiago 7500000, ChileDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, University of Santiago (USACH), Av. Bernardo O’Higgins 3363, Estación Central, Santiago 9160000, ChileThis study introduces a novel mathematical model tailored to the unique fluid dynamics of paper-based microfluidic devices (PBMDs), focusing specifically on the transport behavior of human blood plasma, albumin, and heat. Unlike previous models that depend on generic commercial software, our custom-developed computational incorporates the Richards equation to extend Darcy’s law for more accurately capturing capillary-driven flow and thermal transport in porous paper substrates. The model’s predictions were validated through experimental data and demonstrated high accuracy in both two- and three-dimensional simulations. Key findings include new analytical expressions for uniform paper wetting after sudden geometric expansions and the discovery that plasma and albumin preferentially migrate along paper edges—a phenomenon driven by surface tension and capillary effects that varies with paper type. Additionally, heat transfer analysis indicates that a one-minute equilibration period is necessary for the reaction zone to reach ambient temperature, an important parameter for assay timing. These insights provide a deeper physical understanding of PBMD operation and establish a robust modeling tool that bridges experimental and computational approaches, offering a foundation for the optimized design of next-generation diagnostic devices for biomedical applications.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/13/12/1936heat and mass simulationpaper-based microfluidic devicesblood transportbiomarkers detections
spellingShingle Carlos E. Zambra
Diógenes Hernandez
Jorge O. Morales-Ferreiro
Diego Vasco
Application of Mathematical Modeling and Numerical Simulation of Blood Biomarker Transport in Paper-Based Microdevices
Mathematics
heat and mass simulation
paper-based microfluidic devices
blood transport
biomarkers detections
title Application of Mathematical Modeling and Numerical Simulation of Blood Biomarker Transport in Paper-Based Microdevices
title_full Application of Mathematical Modeling and Numerical Simulation of Blood Biomarker Transport in Paper-Based Microdevices
title_fullStr Application of Mathematical Modeling and Numerical Simulation of Blood Biomarker Transport in Paper-Based Microdevices
title_full_unstemmed Application of Mathematical Modeling and Numerical Simulation of Blood Biomarker Transport in Paper-Based Microdevices
title_short Application of Mathematical Modeling and Numerical Simulation of Blood Biomarker Transport in Paper-Based Microdevices
title_sort application of mathematical modeling and numerical simulation of blood biomarker transport in paper based microdevices
topic heat and mass simulation
paper-based microfluidic devices
blood transport
biomarkers detections
url https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/13/12/1936
work_keys_str_mv AT carlosezambra applicationofmathematicalmodelingandnumericalsimulationofbloodbiomarkertransportinpaperbasedmicrodevices
AT diogeneshernandez applicationofmathematicalmodelingandnumericalsimulationofbloodbiomarkertransportinpaperbasedmicrodevices
AT jorgeomoralesferreiro applicationofmathematicalmodelingandnumericalsimulationofbloodbiomarkertransportinpaperbasedmicrodevices
AT diegovasco applicationofmathematicalmodelingandnumericalsimulationofbloodbiomarkertransportinpaperbasedmicrodevices