Electrodeformation of White Blood Cells Enriched with Gold Nanoparticles

The elasticity of white blood cells (WBCs) provides valuable insight into the condition of the cells themselves, the presence of some diseases, as well as immune system activity. In this work, we describe a novel process of refined control of WBCs' elasticity through a combined use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and the microelectrode array device. The capture and controlled deformation of gold nanoparticles enriched white blood cells in vitro are demonstrated and quantified. Gold nanoparticles enhance the effect of electrically induced deformation and make the DEP-related processes more controllable.

Automated summary

This study presents a novel process for refined control of white blood cells' elasticity using a combination of gold nanoparticles and a microelectrode array device. The capture and controlled deformation of white blood cells enriched with gold nanoparticles are demonstrated and quantified, showing enhanced controllability of DEP-related processes.