Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
11:39
Using Unfixed, Frozen Tissues to Study Natural Mucin Distribution
Published on: September 21, 2012
Mucin Adsorption to Hydrophobic Surfaces
1Center for Biopolymers at Interfaces, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|March 23, 2000
Summary
Bovine submaxillary gland mucin (BSM) forms a stable, thin monolayer coating on polystyrene surfaces. This mucin adsorption is well-described by the Langmuir model, indicating its potential for surface modification applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Mucins are crucial glycoproteins involved in lubrication and protection.
- Understanding mucin adsorption is vital for developing biocompatible materials and coatings.
- Bovine submaxillary gland mucin (BSM) is a well-characterized mucin with potential surface applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adsorption isotherm and kinetics of BSM onto hydrophobic polystyrene.
- To determine the stability and thickness of the BSM coating.
- To characterize the BSM used in the study.
Main Methods:
- Solution depletion method for adsorption/desorption studies.
- Amino acid analysis, UV absorbance, and BCA assay for concentration determination.
- Langmuir adsorption model for kinetic analysis.
- Flow field-flow-fractionation, photon correlation spectroscopy, SEM, and AFM for thickness measurement.
- Static light scattering for molecular weight determination.
Main Results:
- Saturated surface concentration (Gamma(max)) of 2.3 mg/m(2) and adsorption constant (K) of 0.099 (ml/mg).
- Adsorption kinetics (k(on) = 8.13x10(-3) cm(3) mg(-1) s(-1), k(off) = 5.67x10(-4) s(-1)) fit the Langmuir model.
- Highly stable coating with <2% desorption over 28 hours.
- Monolayer coating thickness of 4-5 nm.
- Weight average molecular weight of BSM determined as 1.6x10(6) Da.
Conclusions:
- BSM forms a stable, dense monolayer on hydrophobic polystyrene surfaces.
- The adsorption process is well-described by the Langmuir model, providing kinetic parameters.
- The characterized BSM and its adsorption properties are valuable for biomaterial surface engineering.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Adhesion
Adhesion occurs when one type of molecule is attracted to a different molecule. Water exhibits adhesive properties in the presence of polar surfaces, such as glass or cellulose in plants. For instance, when water is poured into a glass, the positively charged hydrogen molecules of water are more attracted to the negatively charged oxygen molecules in the silica than to the oxygen in neighboring water molecules.
Capillary action is a result of water’s adhesive tendencies. When a narrow glass...
Capillary action is a result of water’s adhesive tendencies. When a narrow glass...
00:55Microvilli
Microvilli are tiny finger-like projections found on the surface of certain cells. Their purpose is to increase the surface area of the cell's apical surface, resulting in more effective absorption or secretion of substances.
These microvilli are predominantly present in cells lining the small intestine, kidney tubules, and certain cells in the respiratory and reproductive systems. By significantly expanding the surface area of the cell membrane, microvilli enhance the cell's capacity to...
These microvilli are predominantly present in cells lining the small intestine, kidney tubules, and certain cells in the respiratory and reproductive systems. By significantly expanding the surface area of the cell membrane, microvilli enhance the cell's capacity to...
01:14Glycocalyx and its Functions
The glycocalyx is a carbohydrate-rich, fuzzy-appearing layer on the outer surface of the cell membrane. It is highly hydrophilic, because of this it attracts large amounts of water to the cell's surface. This aids the cell's interaction with the watery environment and also helps it to obtain substances dissolved in the water. It is also important for cell identification, self/non-self determination, and embryonic development and is used in cell-to-cell attachments to form tissues.
Components of...
Components of...
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
01:24Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Sucralfate as Mucosal Protective Agents
In the intricate landscape of the gastric lumen, excessive acid secretion disrupts the natural defense mechanisms, weakening the mucus-bicarbonate barrier. This vulnerability allows pepsin to infiltrate epithelial cells, digesting mucosal proteins and triggering erosion, leading to ulcer formation.
In this scenario, mucosal protective agents like sucralfate play an essential role. Sucralfate, a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide, demonstrates its usefulness in acidic conditions,...
In this scenario, mucosal protective agents like sucralfate play an essential role. Sucralfate, a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide, demonstrates its usefulness in acidic conditions,...
01:25Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach
The gastric glands contain parietal cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. The cells secrete HCl because it is highly corrosive and essential for breaking down food. To achieve this, they secrete hydrogen and chloride ions into the lumen of the gastric glands, which combine to form HCl.
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...