Analysis of elasticity and deformability of erythrocytes using micro-channel flow system and atomic force microscope

The mechanical properties of erythrocytes under diabetic and some other physico-chemical conditions were measured by using a transparent micro-channel flow system for the analysis of erythrocyte deformability and also by using atomic force microscope (AFM) for the analysis of microscopic elasticity of the erythrocyte cell membrane respectively. The deformability of diabetic erythrocytes was significantly lower than that of healthy controls, especially at higher shear rates. The spring constant and the Young's modulus of diabetic erythrocytes were much higher than those of healthy controls. These erythrocytes were obviously stiffer than normal and they would be hard to deform in the capillary flow passage. This may lead to the growth of microangiopathy.