Advances in screening of thalassaemia

Gradient Hydrogels Spatially Trapped Optical Cell Profiling for Quantitative Blood Cellular Osmotic Analysis

“…The study of red blood cell behavior under osmotic pressure has been clinically validated and is crucial for understanding cellular homeostasis, physiological balance, osmotic regulation, drug transport, absorption, and disease mechanisms. ,, Over decades of technological advancement, clinical methods for studying cellular osmotic fragility have evolved from the initial colorimetric measurements triggered by cell lysis to more advanced techniques such as flow cytometry monitored based on fluid dynamics. ,,− However, even state-of-the-art fluidic dynamic focusing technologies struggle to achieve a stable spatial phase and precise recognition of cellular signals in cell manipulation, often limited to recognizing ruptured/unruptured cells. ,, This limitation hampers quantitative exploration of cellular osmotic responses and thorough analysis of osmotic pressure-responsive cellular behaviors, thus restraining their great potential. Additionally, this methodology primarily focuses on single osmotic pressure channel testing, often requiring multiple tests to achieve gradient osmotic pressure testing.…”

“…The study of red blood cell behavior under osmotic pressure has been clinically validated and is crucial for understanding cellular homeostasis, physiological balance, osmotic regulation, drug transport, absorption, and disease mechanisms. 1,3,7 Over decades of technological advancement, clinical methods for studying cellular osmotic fragility have evolved from the initial colorimetric measurements triggered by cell lysis to more advanced techniques such as flow cytometry monitored based on fluid dynamics. 3,5,8−10 However, even state-of-the-art fluidic dynamic focusing technologies struggle to achieve a stable spatial phase and precise recognition of cellular signals in cell manipulation, often limited to recognizing ruptured/unruptured cells.…”

“…For instance, increased osmotic fragility typically occurs in hereditary spherocytosis, which is a genetic defect involving cytoskeletal proteins in the red blood cell membrane. , This genetic defect leads to the loss of regular cell shape, deformability, and elasticity. Conversely, reduced osmotic fragility is observed in conditions such as Mediterranean anemia, iron-deficiency anemia, certain cases of cirrhosis, and obstructive jaundice. ,,− Currently, clinical evaluations primarily rely on the macroscopic monitoring of hemolysis levels to assess cell permeability. However, this method lacks the capacity to provide a detailed assessment of how cells specifically respond and resist under varying osmotic pressures.…”

“…This nuanced evaluation is crucial for a more profound comprehension of cellular behavior concerning homeostasis, physiological equilibrium, osmoregulation, drug transportation, absorption, and disease mechanisms. 3,7,8 This is also constrained by the current paradigms used in cellular osmotic studies, primarily relying on colorimetric measurements triggered by cell lysis. This method assesses overall cell osmotic permeability by monitoring the release of hemoglobin from cell lysis, lacking the capacity for quantitative exploration of cellular osmotic responses and a thorough analysis of osmotic pressure-responsive cellular behaviors.…”

“…However, this method lacks the capacity to provide a detailed assessment of how cells specifically respond and resist under varying osmotic pressures. This nuanced evaluation is crucial for a more profound comprehension of cellular behavior concerning homeostasis, physiological equilibrium, osmoregulation, drug transportation, absorption, and disease mechanisms. ,, …”