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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik
BP 7: Poster Session I
BP 7.35: Poster
Montag, 9. März 2026, 15:00–17:00, P5
Bat thermomechanics of red and white blood cells as a blueprint for human hibernation — •Bob Fregin1,2, Doreen Biedenweg1, Gerald Kerth3, and Oliver Otto1,2 — 1Institute of Physics, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany — 2German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Greifswald, Germany — 3Applied Zoology and Nature Conservation, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
Hibernation lets mammals conserve energy by sharply slowing metabolism during cold or resource-poor periods. A key challenge is sustaining blood flow at low body temperatures (≤ 10 ∘C). Here, the mechanical properties of red (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) could play a crucial role, which we studied for the hibernating common noctule bat, the non-hibernating Egyptian fruit bat, and humans. Using dynamic real-time deformability cytometry, RBC and WBC elasticity and viscosity were measured at physiologically-relevant time scales (Milliseconds) and temperatures (37 ∘C, 23 ∘C, and 10 ∘C).
Our analysis revealed a temperature-driven increase in RBC elasticity and viscosity, which is mainly influenced by membrane properties and not the cytosol. This effect is significantly enhanced in bats. Finally, our data demonstrate that RBC membranes of both bat species display a transition to a viscous-like state at lower temperatures, which is not explained by seasonal variations of environmental factors but seems to originate from physical properties of the cell membrane. Our results suggest blood cell thermomechanics as a target for future research on human hibernation.
Keywords: Blood cells; Deformability cytometry; Hibernation; Thermomechanical properties; Microfluidics