Changes in the Architectonics and Morphometric Characteristics of Erythocytes under the Influence of Magnetite Nanoparticles

Abstract

A new high-precision technique for calculating the ratio of the erythrocyte area/volume using atomic-force microscopy has been developed. The method was tested on erythrocytes of healthy donors. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic-force microscopy, and X-ray microanalysis revealed that magnetite nanoparticles can interact with erythrocyte membranes in vitro. This interaction resulted in the development of a pathology of erythrocytes typical for poikilocytosis and anisocytosis. When the magnetite was incubated with erythrocytes in a serum-free medium, nanoparticles aggregated.