Characterization of intestinal mucus barrier properties upon exposure to salt

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20292522

The gastrointestinal tract is covered with mucus, a continuously renewed selective barrier regulating the transport of bacteria (commensal and pathogenic), particulate, and small molecules (e.g., nutrients, toxins, and ions) to the underlying epithelium. Although the gastrointestinal mucus is significant to oral-administrated drug delivery and nutrient absorption, its barrier properties are poorly characterized, especially in the presence of food-associated stimuli. As the consumption of processed foods containing high amounts of salt and emulsifiers have increased, it is crucial to understand if and how these food additives affect the intestinal mucus barrier properties.