Absorption-Based Hyperspectral Imaging and Analysis of Single Erythrocytes

Theoretical models for near forward light scattering by aPlasmodium falciparuminfected red blood cell

“…It is a difficult, if not impossible, task to model such a complex object realistically. However, given that the RBCs have been successfully modeled as homogeneous spheres in the past [22][23][24][25][26] and also in recent times [9,35], the simplest model that could be contemplated for healthy RBCs is a homogeneous sphere. This is particularly acceptable because it is possible to sphere the RBCs.…”

“…It is, therefore, desirable to develop faster, noninvasive and innovative automated methods which are independent of operator bias and skill. With these requirements in mind, there is considerable interest currently in examining the potential of the elastic light scattering technique as an alternative to conventional methods for quick and reliable diagnosis of malaria [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12].…”

“…Hemoglobin content and sizes of infected erythrocytes have been studied by Hanssen et al [7] using soft X-rays. The scattering characteristics of malaria byproduct hemozoin, including its scattering distribution and depolarization, have also been examined [9,10]. Brief reviews [ 11,12] on the biophotonic techniques for the study of malaria-infected red blood cells have been published recently.…”

Hemozoin-generated vapor nanobubbles for transdermal reagent- and needle-free detection of malaria

“…R apid, accurate, noninvasive, and bloodless detection of low levels of malaria parasites is critical for surveillance, treatment, and elimination of malaria (1, 2) but so far is not supported by current diagnostic methods (3)(4)(5)(6)(7), which depend upon qualified personnel, sophisticated in vitro methodologies, blood sampling, and specific reagents. All blood-stage malaria parasites digest hemoglobin and form unique intraparasite nanoparticles called "hemozoin" (8)(9)(10)(11). The high optical absorbance combined with the nanosize (50-400 nm) of hemozoin (9,11,12) can be used to generate a transient localized vapor nanobubble around hemozoin in response to a short, safe laser pulse.…”

“…All blood-stage malaria parasites digest hemoglobin and form unique intraparasite nanoparticles called "hemozoin" (8)(9)(10)(11). The high optical absorbance combined with the nanosize (50-400 nm) of hemozoin (9,11,12) can be used to generate a transient localized vapor nanobubble around hemozoin in response to a short, safe laser pulse. A short picosecond pulse localizes the released heat to a nanovolume around a nanoparticle (13,14) and evaporates liquid around the hemozoin in an explosive manner, creating an expanding and collapsing transient vapor bubble of submicrometer size in the malaria parasite (Fig.…”