Authors: Hekele, O.; Goesselsberger, C. G.; Gebeshuber, I. C.

Source: Materials Science and Technology, Volume 24, Number 9, September 2008 , pp. 1162-1165(4)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

Abstract:

Atomic force microscopy can yield valuable information concerning basic physical properties as well as alterations of human red blood cells. Erythropoietin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the kidney to stimulate the growth of red blood cells. Administration of genetically engineered synthetic erythropoietin stimulates the production of additional red blood cells. Therefore erythropoietin is used for blood doping in serious sports. The present study aims at investigating any differences in structure and stiffness of red blood cells which are produced body own or with synthetic erythropoietin. The samples are prepared via standard methods, and atomic force spectroscopy with trigger forces of three micronewtons is performed in ambient air. The penetration depth does not reveal statistically relevant differences in the two types of red blood cells. Furthermore, cells with a penetration depth four times as large as healthy ones are encountered in the samples of one donor. Subsequent medical examination revealed a rare type of diabetes. Atomic force spectroscopy shall serve as fast screening method for nanodiagnostics of diseases that alter surface nanomechanical properties.

Keywords: FORCE MAPPING; RED BLOOD CELLS; EPO; ERYTHROPOIETIN; ERYTHROCYTES; ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPE

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/174328408X341834

Publication date: 2008-09-01

More about this publication?

• Authors wishing to cite fast track papers should give the journal name and the article DOI. This will enable reference linking via CrossRef and allow forward and backward citation tracking systems to associate the fast track citation with the final journal reference.
  
  To see the complete content of Metal Science, the predecessor to Materials Science and Technology, going back to 1967, please click here.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Subscribe to this Title
• Terms & Conditions
• Online submission site
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Materials & Manufacturing ,  Mining & Metallurgy
• By this author: Hekele, O. ;  Goesselsberger, C. G. ;  Gebeshuber, I. C.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers