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Mechanical Characterization of the Erythrocyte Membrane Using a Capacitor-Based Technique

Authors :
Doriana Dorta
Carlos Plazaola
Jafeth Carrasco
Maria F. Alves-Rosa
Lorena M. Coronado
Ricardo Correa
Maytee Zambrano
Braulio Gutiérrez-Medina
Erick Sarmiento-Gómez
Carmenza Spadafora
Guadalupe Gonzalez
Source :
Micromachines, Vol 15, Iss 5, p 590 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Pathological processes often change the mechanical properties of cells. Increased rigidity could be a marker of cellular malfunction. Erythrocytes are a type of cell that deforms to squeeze through tiny capillaries; changes in their rigidity can dramatically affect their functionality. Furthermore, differences in the homeostatic elasticity of the cell can be used as a tool for diagnosis and even for choosing the adequate treatment for some illnesses. More accurate types of equipment needed to study biomechanical phenomena at the single-cell level are very costly and thus out of reach for many laboratories around the world. This study presents a simple and low-cost technique to study the rigidity of red blood cells (RBCs) through the application of electric fields in a hand-made microfluidic chamber that uses a capacitor principle. As RBCs are deformed with the application of voltage, cells are observed under a light microscope. From mechanical force vs. deformation data, the elastic constant of the cells is determined. The results obtained with the capacitor-based method were compared with those obtained using optical tweezers, finding good agreement. In addition, P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes were tested with the electric field applicator. Our technique provides a simple means of testing the mechanical properties of individual cells.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2072666X
Volume :
15
Issue :
5
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Micromachines
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.2df129051eb149749f42214c71c9b7f2
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15050590