The Role of Atomic Force Microscopy in the Study of the Properties of the Erythrocyte Membrane

A comparative analysis of the molecular organization and functions allows us to determine typical disorders of the erythrocyte membrane in various pathological processes and conditions. One of the promising methods for measuring the mechanical characteristics of erythrocytes and erythrocyte membranes is atomic force spectroscopy. This scientific article describes an experiment in which three donors took part. Using an atomic force microscope, the stiffness of the erythrocyte membrane was evaluated in the case of control, with the addition of hemin, as well as hemin in combination with perfluorane. It was found that the use of hemen increases the average stiffness of the erythrocyte membrane by 2.1 times, and the subsequent use of perfluorane returns the indicator to its original value. Thus, perfluorane partially restored the initial stiffness in 85% of cases. This method can be effectively used to measure the stiffness of membranes under the action of modifiers of a different nature, as well as in the study of erythrocyte membranes in clinical conditions.