Interactions of erythrocytes with an artificial wall: influence of the electrical surface charge

Eur Biophys J. 1996;25(1):25-30. doi: 10.1007/s002490050012.

Abstract

Electrical charge on any biological surface plays a crucial role in its interaction with other molecules or surfaces. Here, we study, under flow conditions, the interactions of erythrocytes with an artificial surface: a platinum microelectrode whose charge density ranges from -15 to +27 microC/cm2. This artificial surface could be similar in surface charge to an endothelium or a biomaterial. In this model, interactions are measured as a transient relative increase of the electrolyte resistance obtained by impedance measurement of a microelectrode. A maximal interaction of erythrocytes with the charged surface is calculated in the 0 to +10 microC/cm2 charge density range. At negative surface charge, a less efficient contact was obtained because of electrostatic repulsion forces. High positive surface charge (charge density > 10 microC/cm2) does not improve the contact but induces a progressive decrease in the contact efficiency, which could be explained by a rearrangement of macromolecules on the erythrocyte surface or an effect of positive groups on the cell membrane. This work suggests that a greater surface area of contact is obtained in the 0 to +10 microC/cm2 charge density range and that this is provided by more molecular bridges.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electric Impedance
  • Electrolytes / blood
  • Erythrocytes / physiology*
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Microelectrodes
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Electrolytes