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A vortex-promoting cross-junction microchannel for efficient hydroporation in immunotherapy applications

Authors :

Soheil Mahdavi¹ Zohre Nazemi Dehkordi² Ali Abouei Mehrizi³

1- دانشگاه تهران 2- دانشگاه تهران 3- دانشگاه تهران

Keywords :

hydroporation،cross-junction،intracellular delivery،fluid dynamics،vortex،nanomaterial delivery

Abstract :

Efficient intracellular delivery of therapeutic biomolecules is a critical challenge in biomedical applications, including cancer immunotherapy, gene therapy, and drug delivery. Hydroporation, a mechanoporation-based microfluidic technique, has emerged as a promising method to transiently permeabilize the cell membrane through controlled hydrodynamic stresses. In this study, we present a novel circular cross-junction microchannel with non-colinear inlets designed to generate a mixed extensional–rotational flow, enhancing both shear and vorticity at lower Reynolds numbers compared to conventional square cross-junctions. Three-dimensional numerical simulations were performed across Reynolds numbers 20–366 to analyze flow behavior, including vorticity distribution, recirculation zones, and vortex formation. The results demonstrate that the circular geometry induces stable vortical structures and a well-defined central stagnation point, enabling simultaneous extensional and torsional deformation of cells. Shear stresses in the circular junction were found to be nearly three times higher than in conventional geometries at comparable flow rates, suggesting potential for high-efficiency membrane poration while maintaining cell viability. These findings indicate that the proposed design can achieve enhanced hydroporation efficiency with reduced mechanical stress, offering a scalable platform for high-throughput intracellular delivery. Future experimental validation and further optimization of junction geometry may expand its applicability to diverse cell types and therapeutic cargos.