Complex viscoelasticity of normal and lectin treated erythrocytes using laser diffractometry

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Rheology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Red blood cell (RBC) membrane properties are critical for in vivo blood flow.
• Alterations in RBC viscoelasticity can lead to various health conditions.
• Accurate measurement of RBC viscoelastic parameters is essential for understanding cellular mechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel method for directly determining the complex viscoelastic parameters (CVP) of red blood cells (RBC).
• To assess the sensitivity of this new method by analyzing the effects of vegetable lactins on RBC membrane properties.
• To validate the method's results against existing literature.

Main Methods:

• Experimental determination of RBC CVP using an Erythrodeformeter operating in oscillating mode (0.5-3.5 Hz).
• Application of sinusoidal shear stresses to erythrocytes and measurement via laser diffractometry.
• Analysis of RBCs treated with specific vegetable lactins (Ulex europaeus, wheat germ agglutinin, Enterolobium contorticilicum) compared to control samples.

Main Results:

• The Erythrodeformeter successfully determined the four components of erythrocyte complex viscoelasticity.
• Significant differences in CVP were observed between lactin-treated and control RBCs, demonstrating method sensitivity.
• Results for wheat germ agglutinin-treated cells align with previously published findings.

Conclusions:

• The developed laser diffractometry method provides a direct and sensitive means to measure RBC complex viscoelasticity.
• This technique can be a valuable tool for investigating factors that alter RBC rheologic properties.
• Understanding these alterations is vital for comprehending their impact on in vivo blood flow.