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Endothelialized Microfluidics for Studying Microvascular Interactions in Hematologic Diseases
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Characterization of red blood cell microcirculatory parameters using a bioimpedance microfluidic device
Tieying Xu1, Maria A Lizarralde-Iragorri2,3,4, Jean Roman1
1Université Paris-Saclay, ENS Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut d'Alembert, SATIE, F-91190, Gif sur Yvette, France.
Scientific Reports
|June 20, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a microfluidic device to electrically measure red blood cell transit time, offering a new method to detect altered cell elasticity in genetic disorders like sickle cell disease.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Hematology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Red blood cell (RBC) mechanical properties are crucial for microcirculation.
- Altered RBC elasticity is characteristic of genetic disorders like sickle cell disease and hereditary spherocytosis.
- Existing methods for assessing RBC mechanics can be limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a microfluidic device for electrical characterization of individual red blood cells.
- To correlate electrical signatures with RBC mechanical properties under flow conditions.
- To assess the potential of this method for diagnosing RBC disorders.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a microfluidic device with capillary-mimicking channels and integrated microelectrodes.
- Electrical measurement of red blood cell transit time and blockade amplitude.
- Characterization of RBCs from healthy donors and patients with sickle cell disease or hereditary spherocytosis.
- Correlation of electrical data with microscopic observations.
Main Results:
- The microfluidic device successfully generated electrical signatures for individual red blood cells.
- Pathological (sickle cell, hereditary spherocytosis) and heated RBCs exhibited longer transit times and altered blockade amplitudes compared to healthy RBCs.
- Electrical parameters correlated with RBC mechanical properties and microscopic findings.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic device provides a novel, single-cell-based approach to assess RBC mechanical properties.
- This electrical signature method offers a complementary tool for studying RBC disorders under physiologically relevant flow conditions.
- The technology holds promise for improved characterization and diagnosis of erythroid genetic disorders.
