Some Aspects of Erythrocyte Preparation for AFM-Study.

The features of AFM studies of erythrocytes are discussed in this paper. It is shown the influence of the chemical composition of the buffer and centrifugation parameters on the morphology of the initial cells. The effects of aging and dehydration of erythrocytes on their structural integrity are investigated. Practical recommendations of the sample preparation for AFM studies are given. The possible errors in the interpretation of the obtained results are demonstrated. Artifacts that can appear in AFM images are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]