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Microrheology of Mucin-Albumin Assembly Using Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy.
Nayanjyoti Kakati1, Chintak Kamalesh Parashar2, Siddharth Thakur1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, India.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|August 15, 2022
Summary
This study shows that bovine serum albumin (BSA) binds with mucins, forming complexes that alter mucus microrheology. These interactions, driven by electrostatic forces, are strongest at neutral pH and impact biological functions.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Biomaterials Science
- Mucosal Immunology
Background:
- Mucus protects epithelial cells from pathogens and low pH, aiding nutrient absorption.
- Altered mucus rheology is linked to diseases like cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease, and gastric ulcers.
- Mucus comprises mucins, immunoglobulins, lysozyme, and albumin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of pH on the interaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and porcine gastric mucins.
- To understand how these interactions influence the microrheology of mucin-BSA complexes.
- To elucidate the role of electrostatic interactions and Ca2+ ions in complex formation.
Main Methods:
- Diffusing wave spectroscopy (DWS) to probe microrheology and particle diffusivity.
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) to visualize the colloidal network structure.
- Circular dichroism (CD) analysis to assess changes in secondary structures.
Main Results:
- BSA actively binds with mucins, forming complexes primarily through electrostatic interactions.
- Mucin-BSA complex formation significantly reduces tracer particle diffusivity, indicating altered microrheology.
- Interaction strength is highest at pH 7.4 and lowest at pH 3.
- AFM revealed a compact, cross-linked colloidal network at pH 7.4.
- CD analysis showed altered secondary structures of mucin-BSA complexes at pH 7.4, but not at pH 3.
- Ca2+ ions facilitate bridging between BSA molecules, affecting microrheology.
Conclusions:
- Electrostatic interactions are the primary drivers for mucin-BSA complex formation, particularly at neutral pH.
- The formation of mucin-BSA complexes significantly alters the microrheological properties of mucins.
- These findings provide insights into the physical chemistry of mucus and its functional implications in health and disease.
