Modifications in erythrocyte membrane zeta potential by Plasmodium falciparum infection

► Plasmodium falciparum infection reduced parasitized RBC zeta potential (ZP). ► The reduction was independent of sialic acid. ► The reduction of ZP increased cytoadherence of parasitized RBC. ► Presence of 'knobs' changes the distributions of zeta potential. ► Influence of trypsin-treatment was tested for both knobby and knobless parasites.