Magneto-electro-fusion of human erythrocytes

In inhomogeneous (static) magnetic fields close contact between 'magnetic' human erythrocytes was established. The cells were made magnetic by incubating them in a medium containing small Fe3O4 -particles which adsorbed to the outer membrane surface. Fusion was induced by applying two electric field pulses (field strength: 8.5 kV X cm-1; duration: 60 microseconds) to the magnetically collected cells. This procedure allowed the use of electrically conductive media (3 X 10(-3) omega -1 X cm-1). Fusion of red blood cells occurred very often. If cell suspensions of high density were used fusion resulted in the formation of giant red blood cells with osmotically intact membranes.