Abstract
Over the past years experimental advances have made it possible to elucidate the components of the cell membrane and its structure, thus rendering the measurement of micro-mechanical properties much more efficient than previously. This study investigates the use of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to discern subtle alterations to the red cell due to exposure within artificial organs. Red cells were stressed both biochemically and by controlled exposure to supra-physiological shear. AFM imaging was performed using a Multimode AFM (Nanoscope IIIA, Digital Instruments), using tapping mode, contact mode, and force-volume imaging. Force maps obtained using force-volume imaging were analysed using Igor Pro software (Wavemetrics), and macros developed in our laboratory (by N. Almqvist). Preliminary force maps have been obtained on specimens of human erythrocytes: both in a stress-free condition and in a tensed or echinocytic condition. Ongoing finite-element simulation models are being developed to compliment these experimental studies, with the ultimate goal of inverting nano-scale elastic properties of the blood cells. This preliminary success encourages the use of AFM force mapping as a sensitive tool to evaluate sub-lytic trauma to red blood cells. Future studies aim to investigate the elasticity and adhesion other relevant cells including leukocytes and platelets.
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