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Copyright © 1973 The Biophysical Society. All rights reserved.
Biophysical Journal, Volume 13, Issue 9, 941-954, 1 September 1973

doi:10.1016/S0006-3495(73)86036-9

Articles


New Membrane Concept Applied to the Analysis of Fluid Shear- and Micropipette-Deformed Red Blood Cells

E.A. Evans


Abstract

A two-dimensional elastomer material concept of the red cell membrane is applied to the analysis of fluid shear-deformed, point-attached red cells and micropipette aspiration of red cell disks. The elastic constant (corresponding to the “shear” modulus multiplied by the membrane thickness) is of the order 10-2 dyn/cm for both cases. Additional experimental observations are in agreement with the membrane model, e.g. teardrop and “tether” formation of the sheared disks, pressure difference vs. aspirated length of the cell for micropipette experiments, etc