A Two-Phase Fluid Structure Interaction Model of Mucociliary Clearance Driven by Cilium

This study introduces a two-phase fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model of mucociliary clearance (MCC), utilizing direct cilia modeling and non-Newtonian Carreu rheology for the mucus layer (ML). A novel method for prescribing cilia beat patterns (CBP) was developed, enabling realistic motion replication by imposing displacement at specific cilium points. Computational simulations evaluated MCC performance by comparing rheological properties and assessing the interaction between the ML and periciliary layer (PCL). Results highlight improved ML-PCL coupling and enhanced mucus transport using non-Newtonian ML. This approach enables deeper insights into mucus dynamics and the role of cilia motion in MCC.