FIG. 4.

Albumin is important for the nanostructure of the eGC. The mechanical properties of eGC depend on blood proteins and specifically on the albumin concentration in the plasma. With an AFM-based nanoindentation approach, we could show that a concentration of 0.1% FCS is required for a proper mechanical nanostructure of the eGC. The functional thickness (height) is increased with application of 0.1% FCS compared with the absence of FCS (Lukasz A, unpublished data). AFM, atomic force microscope; FCS, fetal calf serum.