Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, play a central role in the human body: they transport oxygen from the lungs to the organs and carbon dioxide back. But beyond their physiological importance, erythrocytes are also an exciting object of research - especially in cell separation, diagnostics and biotechnology. In this article, we shed light on the structure, function and current applications of erythrocytes - with a focus on innovative methods for isolation and analysis, as supported by pluriSelect.
What are erythrocytes?
Erythrocytes are the most common cells in the blood - around 5 million per microliter. They have no cell nuclei or organelles, are biconcave in shape and about 7 - 8 µm in size. Their main component is the protein haemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen and gives the cells their characteristic red color.
Function and life cycle
The main task of erythrocytes is gas exchange. Their special shape increases the surface area and enables efficient transportation. They have a lifespan of around 120 days and are then broken down in the spleen. The body produces billions of new erythrocytes in the bone marrow every day - a highly regulated process.
Relevance in research and diagnostics
In biomedical research, erythrocytes serve as a model for membrane biology, cytoskeleton and cellular metabolism. In diagnostics, erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin levels and their morphology are used to detect numerous diseases (e.g. anemia, malaria, sickle cell anemia).
Cell separation - isolation of erythrocytes
The isolation of erythrocytes is crucial for many applications, be it for in-vitro tests, transfusion medicine or the production of diagnostic kits. With pluriSelect technology, we offer customized solutions:
- pluriStrainer for mechanical filtration
- pluriBead CD235a for cell separation without magnetic fields
- pluriSpin for gentle density gradient centrifugation
These methods enable rapid, reproducible and scalable purification of erythrocytes and other blood cells - ideal for research laboratories, clinics and biotech companies.
Future prospects
Research into erythrocytes goes far beyond classic oxygen transport. Topics such as artificial erythrocytes, cell-free haemoglobin solutions or CRISPR editing of erythrocyte precursor cells open up exciting prospects for therapy and diagnostics.
Conclusion
Erythrocytes are more than just transport vehicles – they are a central topic in modern cell biology. Innovative separation technologies like those from pluriSelect enable new research questions to be addressed efficiently and precisely. Visit our Shop to learn more about the right tools for your application!