Erythrocyte Sedimentation: Collapse of a High-Volume-Fraction Soft-Particle Gel
Alexis Darras, Anil Kumar Dasanna, Thomas John, Gerhard Gompper, Lars Kaestner, Dmitry A. Fedosov, Christian Wagner
Abstract
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is one of the oldest medical diagnostic methods whose physical mechanisms remain debatable today. Using both light microscopy and mesoscale cell-level simulations, we show that erythrocytes form a soft-particle gel. Furthermore, the high volume fraction of erythrocytes, their deformability, and weak attraction lead to unusual properties of this gel. A theoretical model for the gravitational collapse is developed, whose predictions are in agreement with detailed macroscopic measurements of the interface velocity.
Topics & Concepts
PhysicsVolume fractionMesoscale meteorologyMaterials scienceGravitational collapseGravitationVolume (thermodynamics)Chemical physicsAgrégationSedimentationErythrocyte sedimentation rateMicroscopyBiophysicsChemistryThermodynamicsBlood properties and coagulationErythrocyte Function and PathophysiologyLipid Membrane Structure and Behavior