Australian Scientists Craft World’s Smallest Mustache on Red Blood Cell
Australian scientists have accomplished a groundbreaking feat by successfully creating the world’s tiniest mustache on a red blood cell, measuring a mere 5 microns. The microscopic mustache, invisible to the naked eye, was designed as a symbol to raise awareness about the crucial role of blood donation in men’s health.
This innovative concept was the brainchild of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood organization in collaboration with Movember, a global men’s health charity. The meticulous task of affixing the mustache onto a single blood cell was carried out by a team from The Australian National Fabrication Facility’s Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication (MCN) and the Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy at Monash University.
The process involved collecting a blood cell from a volunteer donor in Melbourne. Subsequently, the MCN team utilized a cutting-edge FIB-SEM (Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope) to capture an image of the minuscule mustache.
Explaining the technicality behind the process, Bernie Orelup, the Engineering & Operations Manager at MCN, revealed, FIB-SEM is capable of imaging structures as small as 1/10,000th of the width of a human hair, by employing high-energy beams of metal ions to etch and deposit tiny structures. He further likened the process to constructing a small Mr. Potato Head accessory, wherein they meticulously crafted the tiny mustache by layering 3D printed polymer resin on a tiny stalk and delicately attaching it to a single red blood cell using a micromanipulator. This intricate process, utilizing state-of-the-art nanofabrication techniques, allowed them to create an invisible symbol of support for men’s health that carries a powerful message.
Before being placed in the microscope, the red blood cell was fixed onto a gold-coated slide and coated with a metal layer approximately 15 nanometers thick. This meticulous preparation was crucial for the microscopic imaging to accurately capture the mustache.
November marks the collaboration between Lifeblood and Movember to promote men’s health and encourage blood and plasma donations. Alison Gould, a spokesperson for Lifeblood, emphasized the importance of blood donation in treating common male illnesses such as heart disease, lung and throat cancers, and blood clots, pointing out that billions of blood cells are often required for treatment. She emphasized that donating blood not only offers a chance to save lives but also allows donors to learn about their own health through various checks conducted during the process.
While the mustache may be small, the hope is that it will make a significant impact and inspire more individuals, both men and women, to donate blood and contribute to men’s health.
Discussing the significance of their work, Orelup further highlighted the importance of nanotechnology in making invisible structures visible and contributing to positive societal changes. The collaboration between MCN, Lifeblood, and Monash University showcases their dedication to employing nanofabrication for noble causes, such as supporting Movember and raising awareness about the critical role of blood donation in men’s health.
Travis Garone, Co-Founder of Movember, expressed his admiration for the campaign’s creativity and the vital message it conveys about men’s health. He commented, Just when I thought I’d seen it all, a group of scientists come along and plant the world’s tiniest mustache on a red blood cell. What a brilliant campaign to show the critical role that blood donation plays in men’s health and what a huge testament to the creativity and dedication of those who continue to fly the flag for men’s health.
Garone applauded the innovation displayed and expressed hope that the minute mustache would raise awareness and encourage crucial actions for men’s health this Movember.
The groundbreaking creation of the world’s tiniest mustache on a red blood cell is a testament to the advancements in nanotechnology and its potential to support noble causes. With this inventive campaign, Australian scientists have shone a spotlight on the significance of blood donation in men’s health, urging individuals to contribute to this worthy cause.
