Investigation of RBC Remodeling With a Multiscale Model Available to Purchase

Erythrocyte (red blood cell, or RBC) possesses one of the simplest and best characterized molecular architectures among all cells. It contains cytosol enclosed inside a composite membrane consisting of a fluidic lipid bilayer reinforced by a single layer of protein skeleton pinned to it. In its normal state, this system demonstrates tremendous structural stability, manifested in its ability to sustain large dynamic deformations during circulation. On the other hand, it has been illustrated in experiments that triggered by mechanical loads structural remodeling may occur. A canonical example of this remodeling is vesiculation, referring to the partial separation of the lipid bilayer from the protein skeleton and the formation of vesicles that contain lipids only.