A study of macromolecular diffusion through native porcine mucus |
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Authors: | M A Desai M Mutlu P Vadgama |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Medicine (Clinical Biochemistry, University of Manchester, Hope Hospital, M6 8HD Salford, England;(2) Department of Chemical Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey |
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Abstract: | A diffusion chamber technique based on time-lag analysis for the estimation of effective diffusion coefficients of radiolabelled macromolecules of varying molecular weights through native mucus gel is reported. For all solutes studied, a reduction in effective diffusion coefficients was observed with a retardation of solute flux in both aqueus and mucus layers. Over the molecular weight range of solutes investigated (126–186 000 Daltons), a consistent effect of molecular weight was evident with regard to the retarding effect of mucus. No apparent or absolute molecular weight cut-off for macromolecular transfer was exhibited. However, at high molecular weights (>30 000 Daltons) the retardation was greatly enhanced. The results confirm that mucus can be regarded as a gel with finite pores, but that it does not constitute an absolute barrier to even high molecular weight solutes. |
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Keywords: | Diffusion coefficients macromolecular diffusion mucus time-lag |
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