A Review of the Optical Tweezers Method for Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Red Blood Cells in Disease Conditions and Its Significance in Medical Science
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63053/ijhes.192Keywords:
Optical Tweezers- Mechanical Properties- Red Blood Cells- Medical Science.Abstract
Human red blood cells (RBCs) play a pivotal role in hematology due to their strong correlation with the pathophysiology of numerous diseases. Consequently, the precise measurement and understanding of individual RBCs' morphological, chemical, and mechanical properties are essential for gaining insights into the pathophysiology of various hematological conditions. This understanding also paves the way for early-stage disease diagnosis. Optical tweezers have emerged as an advanced tool for micromanipulation and force measurement at the microscale. By harnessing the optical force generated by the electromagnetic field of a laser-focused through a high numerical aperture microscope, stable trapping of dielectric objects can be achieved. Silicon or polystyrene microbeads are commonly utilized in this context, either as a “handle” for indirect manipulation of the target or as a force “probe” for interacting with other objects, enabling the study of biological and medical functions at the microscale. This review aims to synthesize and evaluate the current advancements in this field, aiming to highlight the significance of these techniques in improving our understanding of RBC properties and their potential in advancing early disease diagnosis.
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