Biophysical and rheological biomarkers of red blood cell physiology and pathophysiology

Purpose of review This review summarizes the significant biophysical and rheological aspects of red blood cell physiology and pathophysiology in relation to recent advances in microfluidic biomarker assays and emerging targeted or curative intent therapies. Recent findings Alterations in red cell biophysical properties and blood rheology have been associated with numerous hematologic and circulatory disorders. Recent advances in biomarker assays enable effective assessment of these biophysical and rheological properties in normoxia or physiological hypoxia in a clinically meaningful way. There are emerging targeted or curative therapies that aim to improve red cell pathophysiology, especially in the context of inherited hemoglobin disorders, such as sickle cell disease. Summary Red cell pathophysiology can be therapeutically targeted and the improvements in membrane and cellular biophysics and blood rheology can now be feasibly assessed via new microfluidic biomarker assays. Recent advances provide a new hope and novel treatment options for major red cell ailments, including inherited hemoglobin disorders, membrane disorders, and other pathologies of the red cell, such as malaria.

Automated summary

Recent research has shown that alterations in red cell biophysical properties and blood rheology are linked to various hematologic and circulatory disorders. Emerging targeted or curative therapies aim to improve red cell pathophysiology, particularly in the context of inherited hemoglobin disorders like sickle cell disease. Advances in microfluidic biomarker assays offer new opportunities for assessing and treating major red cell ailments.