Abstract
Light scattering is a well-established experimental technique, which gains more and more popularity in the biological field because it offers the means for non-invasive imaging and detection. However, the interpretation of light-scattering signals remains challenging due to the complexity of most biological systems. Here, we investigate static and dynamic scattering properties of red blood cells (RBCs) using two mesoscopic hydrodynamics simulation methods—multi-particle collision dynamics and dissipative particle dynamics. Light scattering is studied for various membrane shear elasticities, bending rigidities, and RBC shapes (e.g., biconcave and stomatocyte). Simulation results from the two simulation methods show good agreement, and demonstrate that the static light scattering of a diffusing RBC is not very sensitive to the changes in membrane properties and moderate alterations in cell shapes. We also compute dynamic light scattering of a diffusing RBC, from which dynamic properties of RBCs such as diffusion coefficients can be accessed. In contrast to static light scattering, the dynamic measurements can be employed to differentiate between the biconcave and stomatocytic RBC shapes and generally allow the differentiation based on the membrane properties. Our simulation results can be used for better understanding of light scattering by RBCs and the development of new non-invasive methods for blood-flow monitoring.
Highlights
Light scattering is commonly used in the fields of condensed, soft, and biological matter to investigate the structure and dynamics of different constituents within a material sample [1,2,3]
Pronounced differences between the scattering intensities of a red blood cells (RBCs) and a cylinder appear at higher q values, which are more sensitive to small features of the biconcave RBC shape
Our results for diffusing RBCs indicate that orientationally-averaged static light scattering (SLS) measurements are insensitive to moderate differences in cell shapes
Summary
Light scattering is commonly used in the fields of condensed, soft, and biological matter to investigate the structure and dynamics of different constituents within a material sample [1,2,3]. Light scattering offers promising prospects of non-invasive imaging and monitoring of certain medical conditions without the necessity of contrast agents or radiation doses [13]. The interpretation of scattering signals is often cumbersome due to a complex nature of biological systems and standard theoretical models for light scattering used in colloidal science fail to provide reliable information. This motivates the development of realistic simulation models to deliver tools for an adequate interpretation of light-scattering measurements.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
