RESUMEN
The viscoelastic properties of erythrocytes have been investigated by a range of techniques. However, the reported experimental data vary. This is not only attributed to the normal variability of cells, but also to the differences in methods and models of cell response. Here, an integrated protocol using optical tweezers and defocusing microscopy is employed to obtain the rheological features of red blood cells in the frequency range of 1 Hz to 35 Hz. While optical tweezers are utilized to measure the erythrocyte-complex elastic constant, defocusing microscopy is able to obtain the cell height profile, volume, and its form factor a parameter that allows conversion of complex elastic constant into complex shear modulus. Moreover, applying a soft glassy rheology model, the scaling exponent for both moduli can be obtained. The developed methodology allows to explore the mechanical behavior of red blood cells, characterizing their viscoelastic parameters, obtained under well-defined experimental conditions, for several physiological and pathological conditions.
Asunto(s)
Microscopía , Pinzas Ópticas , Elasticidad , Eritrocitos/patología , Proyectos de Investigación , Reología/métodos , ViscosidadRESUMEN
The elastic properties of cell membranes, particularly the membrane tension and bending modulus, are known to be key regulators of cellular functions. Here, we present a correlative and integrated tool based on optical tweezers and scanning electron microscopy to accurately determine these properties in a variety of cell types. Although there are intrinsic difficulties associated with correlative experiments, we believe that the methods presented can be considered a suitable protocol for determining the elastic properties of cell membranes. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Soares et al. (2020).