Influencing the adhesion properties and wettability of mucin protein films by variation of the environmental pH

摘要: Mucins, the main component of mucus secretions goblet and epithelial cells, are known for exhibiting a different behaviour in accordance with their surrounding environment (i.e. among others environmental pH), which induces drastic change measured mechanical properties. In this work, we have first employed Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) Spectroscopy mode to evaluate adhesion porcine mucin films at nanoscale, changes caused particular factor by pH variation between 7.0 4.0, both quite common values biological conditions. Measurements also involved additional varying factors such as indenting tip chemistry (hydrophobic vs hydrophilic), its residence time on film (0, 1 and/or 2 seconds), increasing pulling rates (ranging from 0.1 up 10 µm/s). A second approach regarded macroscale films, due potential applicability development new set stimuli-responsive biomaterials. This was possible means complementary Wilhelmy plate method (to test wetting properties) cell proliferation studies previously exposed corresponding solution. According our results, treatment lowest (4.0) provides more hydrophilic character, showing much stronger analogous chemistries, well enhanced capability attachment proliferation, opens pathways future use consideration scaffold-forming material.