Magneto-electro-fusion of human erythrocytes.
In inhomogeneous (static) magnetic fields close contact between 'magnetic' human erythrocytes was established. The cells were made magnetic by incubating them in a medium containing small Fe3O4 -particles which adsorbed to the outer membrane surface. Fusion was induced by applying two electric field pulses (field strength: 8.5 kV X cm-1; duration: 60 microseconds) to the magnetically collected cells. This procedure allowed the use of electrically conductive media (3 X 10(-3) omega -1 X cm-1). Fusion of red blood cells occurred very often. If cell suspensions of high density were used fusion resulted in the formation of giant red blood cells with osmotically intact membranes.
D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron; D008280:Magnetics; D008561:Membrane Fusion
D007501:Iron