Spatial analysis of erythrocyte membrane fluctuations by digital holographic microscopy.

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Rappaz, Benjamin; Barbul, Alexander; Hoffmann, Annick; Boss, Daniel; Korenstein, Rafi; Depeursinge, Christian; Magistretti, Pierre J; Pierre Marquet

Source:

Blood Cells Mol Dis, Volume 42, Issue 3, p.228-32 (2009)

Keywords:

Adult, Algorithms, Equipment Design, Erythrocyte Membrane, Holography, Humans, Image Processing, Computer-Assisted, Microscopy, Microscopy, Interference, Refractometry

Abstract:

<p>Red blood cell (RBC) membrane fluctuations provide important insights into cell states. We present a spatial analysis of red blood cell membrane fluctuations by using digital holographic microscopy (DHM). This interferometric and dye-free technique, possessing nanometric axial and microsecond temporal sensitivities enables to measure cell membrane fluctuations (CMF) on the whole cell surface. DHM acquisition is combined with a model which allows extracting the membrane fluctuation amplitude, while taking into account cell membrane topology. Uneven distribution of CMF amplitudes over the RBC surface is observed, showing maximal values in a ring corresponding to the highest points on the RBC torus as well as in some scattered areas in the inner region of the RBC. CMF amplitudes of 35.9+/-8.9 nm and 4.7+/-0.5 nm (averaged over the cell surface) were determined for normal and ethanol-fixed RBCs, respectively.</p>