Three-dimensional monitoring of RBC sedimentation in external magnetic fields.

Abstract

The external magnetic fields resulting from electronic devices around humans have become more prevalent nowadays, and studying their influence on living matter is a required task. Here, we experimentally model the movement of RBCs in veins under an external magnetic field; we monitor the sedimentation of multiple RBCs at different distances from a surrounding wall. The monitoring is performed in 3D by incorporation of digital holographic microscopy (DHM). DHM not only provides a 3D quantitative phase image of an RBC but also, through its numerical refocusing feature, 3D trajectories of several cells in the field of view can be obtained. Our results show that the magnetic field facilitates the sedimentation of cells, and the effect is higher in proximity to the walls. This influence is attributed to the presence of magnetic field-sensitive materials included in RBCs.