Abstract
In recent years, extensive research has been carried out on red blood cells in order to investigate their mechanical properties. The interest in these studies has been possible thanks to the technological innovations made in the field of micro or nano manipulation of biological and non-biological particles without physical contact. In the present project, we have developed a new approach to study the deformation of red blood cells moving against a trapped microbead by applying a sinusoidal voltage (DC offset 3.5 Vpp) to the stage at 0.4 Hz frequencies. The oscillating movement imposed on the stage highlights the indentation test and the tensile test known for the study of mechanical behavior of materials. The mechanical properties found are: the modulus of elasticity (Young Modulus), the shear modulus, the coefficient of hardening and erythrocyte resistance coefficient. The axial shear modulus 25.00 ± 1.5 μN/m and the transversal shear modulus 15.7 ± 4.63 μN/m were compared to those in the literature. These values were respectively determined by Hooke’s law and the Hertz model.
Highlights
The red blood cell’s main function is the transport of gas through the body [1] [2]
We have developed a new approach to study the deformation of red blood cells moving against a trapped microbead by applying a sinusoidal voltage (DC offset 3.5 Vpp) to the stage at 0.4 Hz frequencies
The oscillating movement imposed on the stage highlights the indentation test and the tensile test known for the study of mechanical behavior of materials
Summary
The red blood cell’s main function is the transport of gas through the body [1] [2]. It is responsible for oxygen transport and the transport of carbon dioxide to the lungs. Due to the remarkable property of its membrane (elasticity), and its biconcave form, the red blood cell reaches through capillaries without being altered in order to regain its original shape Some diseases such as malaria, cancer and sickle cell anemia affect this property causing malfunction of the organism [3]. The study of the elasticity of red blood cells is a very promising field of research for the diagnosis of certain diseases such as cancer and malaria. Among these technological innovations, the optical tweezers are an essential tool for the manipulation of nanoparticles. It is of paramount importance to continue developing new approaches for determining the mechanical properties of red blood cells through the optical tweezers
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