The Gel Matrix of Gastric Mucus Is Maintained by a Complex Interplay of Transient and Nontransient Associations

• DOI: 10.1021/bm025767t
• Publication Date: 2003-07-14T04:47:55Z
• Authors: Catherine Taylor; Adrian Allen; Peter W. Dettmar; Jeffrey P. Pearson
• Keywords: Matrix (chemical analysis)

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