Chapter 20 - Multicomponent Lattice Boltzmann Models for Biological Applications

Abstract

The dynamics of deformable liquid-filled bodies (e.g., droplets, capsules, lipid vesicles) suspended in a fluid flow is a fascinating fundamental problem with increasing relevance for technological applications, for example, in drug delivery, or designing lab-on-chip devices. In the present chapter we review two main families of lattice Boltzmann models for multicomponent flows, their mechanical properties, and transport phenomena, with special focus on their application to biofluidic problems, such as the dynamics, merging, and breakup of microfluidic droplets and the motion of deformable membranes and vesicles under geometrical confinement.