The Role of Molecular Quantum Electrodynamics in Linear Aggregations of Red Blood Cells

TL;DR

This paper investigates how quantum electrodynamics effects, specifically a Casimir-like force, can explain the formation of red blood cell stacks called rouleaux, balancing electrostatic repulsion under certain conditions.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum electrodynamics-based model to explain rouleaux formation, extending understanding of biological aggregation phenomena.

Findings

Casimir effect can balance electrostatic forces in rouleaux formation

Model predicts conditions for rouleaux formation consistent with observations

Suggests new experimental and application avenues in biology and nanotechnology

Abstract

Despite the fact that red blood cells carry negative charges, under certain conditions they form cylindrical stacks, or ``rouleaux''. It is shown here that a form of the Casimir effect, generalizing the more well-known van der Waals forces, can provide the necessary attractive force to balance the electrostatic repulsion. Erythrocytes in plasma are modelled as negatively charged dielectric disks in an ionic solution, allowing predictions to be made about the conditions under which rouleaux will form. The results show qualitative and quantitative agreement with observations, and suggest new experiments and further applications to other biological systems, colloid chemistry and nanotechnology.