SUP Program: Richard Superfine - Applied Physical Sciences

Presentation Time: 4:50-5:10

Home University: N.C. A&T State University

Research Mentor: Jeremy Cribb, Applied Physical Sciences

Program: Richard Superfine - Applied Physical Sciences

Research Title: Adhesion role in Mucociliary Clearance

In the lung, cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated with failed mucociliary clearance (MCC), which can cause infection and inflammation. Past efforts to increase MCC focus on decreasing mucus rheology, but little is understood about mucociliary adhesions involved in MCC. The Superfine lab measures such adhesion forces by pulling on protein-coated magnetic beads adhered to mucus-coated glass substrates modified by silanization, hydrolysis, and protein coupling. For this assay to be successful, homogenous coverage of the substrate is paramount. Here, epifluorescence microscopy was used to analyze for sufficient substrate homogeneity. To measure for even silane deposition, we bound to it 100 nm fluorescent amine-coated beads. Adhesion measurements were made by pulling lectin-coated fluorescent, magnetic 24-micron diameter beads from mucus-coated substrates. Our results indicate even silanization, activation, and coupling. PEG-coated beads (negative control) show a lower detachment force from a mucus-coated substrate than the same beads coated with lectins. These data show the presence of adhesive interactions between lectins and mucus, which is expected, as well as mucus-mucus interaction.