Fluctuating Hydrodynamics Approach for the Simulation of Nanoparticle Brownian Motion in a Newtonian Fluid

Nanocarrier Hydrodynamics and Binding in Targeted Drug Delivery: Challenges in Numerical Modeling and Experimental Validation

This review discusses current progress and future challenges in the numerical modeling of targeted drug delivery using functionalized nanocarriers (NC). Antibody coated nanocarriers of various size and shapes, also called functionalized nanocarriers, are designed to be injected in the vasculature, whereby they undergo translational and rotational motion governed by hydrodynamic interaction with blood particulates as well as adhesive interactions mediated by the surface antibody binding to target antigens/receptors on cell surfaces. We review current multiscale modeling approaches rooted in computational fluid dynamics and nonequilibrium statistical mechanics to accurately resolve fluid, thermal, as well as adhesive interactions governing nanocarrier motion and their binding to endothelial cells lining the vasculature. We also outline current challenges and unresolved issues surrounding the modeling methods. Experimental approaches in pharmacology and bioengineering are discussed briefly from the perspective of model validation.

Nanocarrier-Cell Surface Adhesive and Hydrodynamic Interactions: Ligand-Receptor Bond Sensitivity Study

A hybrid approach combining fluctuating hydrodynamics with generalized Langevin dynamics is employed to study the motion of a neutrally buoyant nanocarrier in an incompressible Newtonian stationary fluid medium. Both hydrodynamic interactions and adhesive interactions are included, as are different receptor-ligand bond constants relevant to medical applications. A direct numerical simulation adopting an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian based finite element method is employed for the simulation. The flow around the particle and its motion are fully resolved. The temperatures of the particle associated with the various degrees of freedom satisfy the equipartition theorem. The potential of mean force (or free energy density) along a specified reaction coordinate for the harmonic (spring) interactions between the antibody and antigen is evaluated for two different bond constants. The numerical evaluations show excellent comparison with analytical results. This temporal multiscale modeling of hydrodynamic and microscopic interactions mediating nanocarrier motion and adhesion has important implications for designing nanocarriers for vascular targeted drug delivery.