A microfluidics approach to study the selective permeability of native and chemically modified mucin gels

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Oliver Lieleg
• Subject Area: Biophysics ; Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: from 2018 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 397368393

In this project we aim at deciphering the molecular mechanisms responsible for the selective barrier properties of mucin gels. This will be achieved by combining molecular penetration experiments with a damage-and-repair approach, i.e. performing chemical modifications on purified mucin glycoproteins. This strategy will allow us to identify molecular key motifs on mucin glycoproteins which are necessary to establish selective permeability in mucin gels. The anticipated results will give insights into the physico-chemical principles that provide mucus with its protective function and may guide the path towards the development of synthetic mucin-like molecules.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants