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Updated: Aug 3, 2026

Preparation of Mica Supported Lipid Bilayers for High Resolution Optical Microscopy Imaging
Published on: June 7, 2014
Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance as predictor of mucus coating with barium sulfate
Abstract:
In order to improve barium coating of the mucus layer covering the alimentary tract, various surface active substances are added to commercially available contrast media. The action of additives can be expressed in part by their hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB). In an experimental study using human colonic mucus and barium sulfate USP, surfactants of varying HLB (range, 3-11) were used to study the range of HLB resulting in optimal coating. The best coating occurred with an HLB of 7. Quality of coating may be predicted based on knowledge of the HLB of various surface active additives.
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