Work

A Microfluidic Device for Detecting the Deformability of Red Blood Cells

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Red blood cell (RBC) deformability is a critical biophysical property that enables effective passage of RBCs through microvasculature and ensures proper oxygen delivery. Impairment of this property is associated with various pathological conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this study, we developed an automated microfluidic platform for high-throughput and real-time assessment of RBC deformability under controlled flow conditions. The device features a structured microchannel design and integrated imaging to quantify individual cell deformation responses. Comparative analyses of RBCs from healthy individuals and T2DM patients revealed significant reductions in deformability in the diabetic group. In vivo validation using a diabetic mouse model further confirmed the progressive decline in RBC deformability under chronic hyperglycemia. This microfluidic approach provides a robust and efficient tool for characterizing RBC mechanical properties, offering potential for disease monitoring and clinical diagnostic applications.

Source: Biosensors

DOI: 10.3390/bios15110758

Authors: Wenyan Liu, Liqiang Xie, Jiangcun Yang, Xiaobo Gong, Dan Sun, Ce Zhang

Institutions: Northwest University, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Language: English

Topic: Blood properties and coagulation

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654