On the different models describing the equilibrium shape of an erythrocyte (original) (raw)

As one of the most important types of blood cells in all vertebrate, the study of the equilibrium shape of erythrocytes is of great importance for the understanding of physicochemical and mechanical properties. The present paper is a summary of the existing models and methods to describe the shape of a red blood cell. Starting with the simplest known model – the one based on the Cassini ovals and finishing with the general shape equation for axisymmetric fluid membranes, we compare each model with a set of experimental data. The aim is to classify the models and give suggestions when and for what purpose they can be used, as for example in analytical studies of interactions between the erythrocytes, diagnostics based on shape distribution, experimental study through light scattering etc.