Back to Search
Start Over
Mechanical Characterization of the Erythrocyte Membrane Using a Capacitor-Based Technique
- 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