Bio-dielectric variation as a signature of shape alteration and lysis of human erythrocytes: An on-chip analysis

An on-chip analysis has been performed to develop a comprehensive understanding on the effect of shape alteration and lysis on the bio-dielectric nature of human erythrocytes. Impedance/capacitance spectroscopy, along with current-voltage (I-V) measurements has been executed to observe the variations in dielectric parameters for normal disc-biconcave and spherical erythrocytes (namely, discocytes and spherocytes respectively). Current-time (I-t) measurements are performed on erythrocyte suspensions exposed under an external electric field to observe possible hemolysis of such cells. Impedance/capacitance spectroscopic observations reveal a lower percentage variation of capacitance from the base medium in case of discocytes, which is attributed to the depolarizing factor originating from their orientational polarizability. I-t measurements suggest a constant trend in current followed by an increment signifying the release of free charge into the suspension on the initiation of hemolysis.