Lattice-Boltzmann based simulations of ThFFF for separation of colloids and cells

We present the results of a series of Lattice-Boltzmann based Brownian Dynamics simulations of thermal flow field fractionation for the separation of particles within a fluid. A temperature gradient created in a dilute polymer solution allows us to separate particles based on their deformability. As shown in previous experiments, the level of deformability of a simulated particle changes how the particle moves within the fluid matrix. We thus conclude, that under the correct circumstances, particles of differing deformability can be separated by the fluid alone. Our simulation was intended to model an oceanic system comprised of three different particles: zooplankton, phytoplankton, and microplastics. The data we collected in our simulations suggest the separation of microplastics from plankton is likely.