Static and dynamic light scattering of healthy and malaria-parasite invaded red blood cells

J Biomed Opt. 2010 Mar-Apr;15(2):020506. doi: 10.1117/1.3369966.

Abstract

We present the light scattering of individual Plasmodium falciparum-parasitized human red blood cells (Pf-RBCs), and demonstrate progressive alterations to the scattering signal arising from the development of malaria-inducing parasites. By selectively imaging the electric fields using quantitative phase microscopy and a Fourier transform light scattering technique, we calculate the light scattering maps of individual Pf-RBCs. We show that the onset and progression of pathological states of the Pf-RBCs can be clearly identified by the static scattering maps. Progressive changes to the biophysical properties of the Pf-RBC membrane are captured from dynamic light scattering.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Erythrocytes / parasitology*
  • Erythrocytes / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Light
  • Nephelometry and Turbidimetry / methods*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / pathogenicity
  • Plasmodium falciparum / physiology*
  • Reference Values
  • Scattering, Radiation