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Hemolysis near an ultrasonically pulsating gas bubble
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 28, 1970
Summary
Stable oscillation of gas bubbles at 20 kilohertz caused red blood cells (erythrocytes) to release hemoglobin. Hemolysis occurred above a critical oscillation amplitude, likely due to acoustic streaming-induced hydrodynamic stresses.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Acoustics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Red blood cell (erythrocyte) lysis is crucial in various biological and medical applications.
- Understanding the physical mechanisms of cell membrane disruption is essential for developing novel therapeutic and diagnostic tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of acoustically driven gas bubble oscillations on erythrocyte integrity.
- To determine the threshold for hemolysis induced by controlled acoustic cavitation.
Main Methods:
- Erythrocyte suspensions were exposed to a gas bubble oscillating at 20 kilohertz.
- The oscillation amplitude of the gas bubble was manipulated.
- Hemolysis was quantified by measuring hemoglobin release.
Main Results:
- Hemoglobin release from erythrocytes was observed when the gas bubble's oscillation amplitude surpassed a specific critical threshold.
- Acoustically induced small-scale eddying motion near the oscillating bubble was identified as a potential cause of hemolysis.
Conclusions:
- Stable oscillation of gas bubbles can induce erythrocyte hemolysis.
- Hydrodynamic stresses generated by acoustic cavitation are a plausible mechanism for cell membrane rupture.