Two-Layer Red Blood Cell Membrane Model Using the Discrete Element Method

Abstract:

The red blood cell (RBC) membrane consists of a lipid bilayer and spectrin-based cytoskeleton, which enclose haemoglobin-rich fluid. Numerical models of RBCs typically integrate the two membrane components into a single layer, preventing investigation of bilayer-cytoskeleton interaction. To address this constraint, a new RBC model which considers the bilayer and cytoskeleton separately is developed using the discrete element method (DEM). This is completed in 2D as a proof-of-concept, with an extension to 3D planned in the future. Resting RBC morphology predicted by the two-layer model is compared to an equivalent and well-established composite (one-layer) model with excellent agreement for critical cell dimensions. A parametric study is performed where area reduction ratio and spring constants are varied. It is found that predicted resting geometry is relatively insensitive to changes in spring stiffness, but a shape variation is observed for reduction ratio changes as expected.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 846)
• Pages: 270-275
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.846.270
• Online since: July 2016
• Authors: Sarah Barns, Emilie Sauret, Suvash Saha, Robert Flower, Yuan Tong Gu*
• Keywords: Biconcave Disc, Discrete Element Method (DEM), Numerical Model, Red Blood Cell, Two-Layer

References

[1] N. Mohandas, P.G. Gallagher, Red cell membrane: past, present, and future, Blood. 112 (2008) 3939-3948.

DOI: 10.1182/blood-2008-07-161166

[2] G.H.W. Lim. A Numerical Study of Morphologies and Morphological Transformations of Human Erythrocyte based on Membrane Mechanics, (2003), Simon Fraser University: Canada.

[3] D.A. Fedosov, B. Caswell and G.E. Karniadakis, A multiscale red blood cell model with accurate mechanics, rheology, and dynamics, Biophysical Journal. 98 (2010) 2215-2225.

DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2010.02.002

[4] M. Dao, J. Li, and S. Suresh, Molecularly based analysis of deformation of spectrin network and human erythrocyte, Materials Science and Engineering. 26(2006) 1232-1244.

DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2005.08.020

[5] L. Shi, T.W. Pan, and R. Glowinski, Deformation of a single red blood cell in bounded Poiseuille flows, Physical Review E. 85 (2012) 016307.

DOI: 10.1103/physreve.85.049902

[6] K. Tsubota, S. Wada, and T. Yamaguchi, Simulation study on effects of hematocrit on blood flow properties using particle method, Journal of Biomechanical Science and Engineering. 1(2006) 159-170.

DOI: 10.1299/jbse.1.159

[7] H.N. Polwaththe-Gallage, Y.T. Gu, S.C. Saha, W. Senadeera, A. Oloyede, Numerical simulation of red blood cells' deformation using SPH method, in 4th International Conference on Computational Methods (ICCM), 2012: Crowne Plaza, Gold Coast, QLD.

[8] E. Evans, Y.C. Fung, Improved measurements of the erythrocyte geometry, Microvascular Research, 4 (1972) 335-347.

DOI: 10.1016/0026-2862(72)90069-6

[9] V. Heinrich, K. Ritchie, N. Mohandas, and E. Evans, Elastic Thickness Compressibility of the Red Cell Membrane, Biophysical Journal. 81 (2001) 1452-1463.

DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3495(01)75800-6