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Ling, F. ; Sahin, A.T. ; Naranjo, B.M.* ; Aime, S.* ; Roth, D. ; Pukaluk, A. ; Tepho, N. ; Augustin, R. ; Zampa, B. ; Vendrame, A.S.* ; Klassen, M.* ; Emken, E.* ; Kiechle, M.B.* ; Stoleriu, M.-G. ; Mertsch, P.* ; Olmer, R.* ; Tesfaigzi, Y.* ; Lieleg, O.* ; Nawroth, J.

A general high‐throughput mucus microrheology platform for quantitative and scalable mucus phenotyping.

Adv. Sci., DOI: 10.1002/advs.77750 (2026)
Publ. Version/Full Text Research data DOI
Open Access Gold
Creative Commons Lizenzvertrag
Mucus mechanics regulate barrier, clearance, and transport functions across epithelial tissues, yet quantitative rheology remains difficult to scale because available assays require large volumes, specialized equipment, or extensive manual analysis. Here, a high-throughput microrheology workflow based on Differential Dynamic Microscopy is established for frequency-dependent measurements from 3 to 10 mucus samples and intact mucosal surfaces using standard epifluorescence microscopy. The workflow combines preloaded tracer chambers, controlled sample handling, short video acquisition, and automated analysis to reduce operator intervention while preserving sensitivity to mucus relaxation on 1–20 s time scales. Validation against shear rheometry and particle tracking in reconstituted mucin gels shows robust recovery of viscoelastic trends across mucus-like material states. Applications in human airway epithelial air–liquid interface cultures resolve culture-medium, age, donor, COPD, cigarette-smoke, cystic-fibrosis treatment, and IL-13-associated differences, including spatial heterogeneity in situ. Measurements of clinical cervical mucus further demonstrate parallel testing of scarce specimens and sensitivity to osmotic swelling. This platform provides a scalable route to quantitative mucus phenotyping for disease modeling, therapeutic testing, and future precision-medicine studies.
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Publication type Article: Journal article
Document type Scientific Article
ISSN (print) / ISBN 2198-3844
e-ISSN 2198-3844
Journal Advanced science
Publisher Wiley
Publishing Place Weinheim
Reviewing status Peer reviewed
Institute(s) Helmholtz Pioneer Campus (HPC)
Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI)
Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI)