Characterization of the mucus barrier: impact of external stimuli and disease on transport and structural properties.

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20290594

Mucus acts as a protective barrier, preventing microbial invasion of the underlying tissues. Changes to the barrier may impact microbe translocation and thus potentially contribute to onset of inflammation or pathogen invasion. Interestingly, the ingestion of breastmilk compared with formula reduced the risk of gastrointestinal infection indicating breastmilk may be strengthening the mucus barrier. Here, we explored the impact of stimuli present in breastmilk (e.g., antimicrobial proteins and immunoglobulins), disease (e.g., necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and Hirschsprungs Disease (HD)), and oral therapeutic intervention on mucus structure and transport of particles and microbes through mucus. Particles and E. Coli were used to measure diffusion and speed, respectively which are indicators of mucus permeability.