iRBC opening regimes. (A) Sequence of images of PKH26-labeled iRBC using fluorescence microscopy and showing: the initial iRBCs (0 milliseconds), the circular pore opening (100 milliseconds), the shoulder type deformation of the RBC membrane (150 milliseconds) followed by the membrane curling (283 milliseconds). Scale bar, 1 μm. (B) Sequence of images of the first curl after the shoulder-type deformation (time lapse: 14.3 milliseconds). Scale bar, 1 μm. (C) Kinetics of the pore opening with the radius r of the pore as a function of time. Two regimes are identified: the circular opening and the curling taking place at t₀. The parameters used for the data analysis are represented both in the inset and on the curve: the pore radius when curling starts r₀ and the cell radius R. At any given time t, the opening is described by a pore radius r and a rim radius L. Error bars represent the error in the determination of the diameter of the pore.