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The gel matrix of gastric mucus is maintained by a complex interplay of transient and nontransient associations

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Jeffrey Pearson

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Abstract

The gel nature of mucus is fundamental to its physiological functions; however, the structure of the mucus gel matrix is unclear. Here, small and large deformation rheology has been used to investigate the physical nature of the gel matrix and the forces that maintain this matrix in pig gastric mucus. The gelation process in mucus has been shown to be comparable with that of other polymer gel systems. Nongelling portions of mucin have been identified within the gel network, and the importance of transient, relaxable interactions to the maintenance of the mucus gel matrix has been demonstrated. The structure of the mucus gel matrix is considered in relation to the functional properties of mucus gels.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Taylor C, Allen A, Dettmar PW, Pearson JP

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Biomacromolecules

Year: 2003

Volume: 4

Issue: 4

Pages: 922-927

Print publication date: 01/07/2003

ISSN (print): 1525-7797

ISSN (electronic): 1526-4602

Publisher: American Chemical Society

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/bm025767t

DOI: 10.1021/bm025767t

PubMed id: 12857074

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