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Quantitative Analysis of Viscoelastic Properties of Red Blood Cells Using Optical Tweezers and Defocusing Microscopy
Published on: March 25, 2022
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Modelling red blood cell optical trapping by machine learning improved geometrical optics calculations.
R Tognato1, D Bronte Ciriza2, O M Maragò2
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
Biomedical Optics Express
|July 27, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a faster, more accurate method using neural networks to study red blood cells. This technique allows for better control over cell orientation, aiding disease research.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Optical Tweezers
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Optical trapping is vital for studying red blood cell (RBC) biophysical properties, crucial in disease diagnostics.
- The nonspherical shape of RBCs complicates accurate and rapid optical force calculations, hindering comprehensive analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a computationally efficient and accurate method for calculating optical forces on nonspherical objects like RBCs.
- To simulate and understand the manipulation of RBCs using optical tweezers under various configurations.
Main Methods:
- Training a neural network to rapidly and accurately compute optical forces on RBCs.
- Simulating RBC motion and orientation using the developed neural network model.
- Investigating the effect of multiple optical beams on RBC behavior.
Main Results:
- The neural network significantly improved the speed and accuracy of optical force calculations for RBCs.
- Demonstrated precise control over RBC tilting by manipulating the position of a third optical beam.
- Successfully simulated RBC motion under different optical beam configurations.
Conclusions:
- The neural network approach offers a powerful tool for studying RBCs and other complex biological materials.
- This method facilitates research into cellular mechanics and responses under optical manipulation, even with limited beam power to prevent photodamage.
