Morphology of blood cells based on atomic force microscopy data

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Abstract

Probe microscopy allows us to study the morphology, nanostructure of the membrane, mechanical properties and biochemical interactions of blood cells over time in liquid and in air. The mechanical properties, rigidity and elasticity of the membrane can be quantified using atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM can be used in a variety of areas: from assessing the quality of stored blood in transfusion banks to elucidating the molecular mechanisms of oxidative damage and disease-related changes. The use of AFM in the study of red blood cells helps in understanding the causes of neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and miscarriages.

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About the authors

A. I. Akhmetova

Lomonosov Moscow State University; Advanced Technologies Center

Email: yaminsky@nanoscopy.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-5115-8030

Cand. of Sci. (Physics and Mathematics), Senior Researcher, Physical Department, Leading Specialist

Russian Federation, Moscow; Moscow

I. V. Yaminsky

Lomonosov Moscow State University; Advanced Technologies Center

Author for correspondence.
Email: yaminsky@nanoscopy.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-8731-3947

Doct. of Sci. (Physics and Mathematics), Prof., Physical Department, Director General

Russian Federation, Moscow; Moscow

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Supplementary files

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2. Fig.1. Erythrocytes in AFM in air, predominantly in the form of discocytes, but with noticeable appearance of irregularities and spikes

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3. Fig.2. Erythrocytes are in the shape of a biconcave disk. On the left, a partially ovalocyte is visible

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4. Fig.3. Echinocytes in AFM in the air

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Copyright (c) 2025 Akhmetova A.I., Yaminsky I.V.