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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
08:47
Rapid Viscoelastic Characterization of Airway Mucus Using a Benchtop Rheometer
Published on: April 21, 2022
Barrier properties of mucus
1Biophysics Department, Johns Hopkins University, and ReProtect, Inc., Baltimore MD, USA. cone@jhu.edu
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|January 13, 2009
Summary
Mucus
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Mucus acts as a barrier, preventing particle penetration via hydrophobic interactions.
- Mucus gel's shear-thinning property creates a stable, adherent layer on epithelial surfaces.
- Efficient nanoparticle (NP) delivery requires diffusion through this mucus layer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological and biochemical properties of the mucus barrier.
- To explore how nanoparticles can overcome mucus for effective drug delivery.
- To utilize viral capsid properties as a model for nanoparticle design.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on mucus physiology and biochemistry.
- Analysis of nanoparticle diffusion principles within complex biological fluids.
- Examination of viral capsid properties and their interaction with mucus.
Main Results:
- Mucus's tenacity is attributed to low-affinity hydrophobic interactions.
- Shear-thinning behavior ensures mucus adheres to epithelia, forming a critical unstirred layer.
- Capsid viruses, smaller than mucus mesh and non-stick, diffuse rapidly, serving as a model.
Conclusions:
- Understanding mucus properties is key for designing effective mucosal drug delivery systems.
- Viral capsids offer a valuable model for developing nanoparticles that can penetrate mucus.
- Optimizing nanoparticle size and surface properties is crucial for efficient epithelial cell contact.
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