Development of a low-cost respiratory artificial mucus for clinical simulation

<bold>Background:</bold> Developing low-cost artificial mucus models is essential for advancing clinical simulations and testing new respiratory devices, yet achieving accurate rheological properties akin to human mucus remains challenging. <bold>Objectives:</bold> To develop a low-cost artificial mucus model and assess the rheological characteristics and predictive viscosity models. <bold>Methods:</bold> Three solutions were analyzed using a viscometer (frequencies of 100 and 60 rpm), followed by flow tests, thermographic and qualitative rheological analysis. The standard solution of artificial respiratory mucus was prepared with distilled water (100 mL), sodium tetraborate (0.116 g), and locust bean gum (2.0 g), homogenized at 100 °C and cooled to 40 °C (mucus 1), and the others with 50% (mucus 2) and 25% of the standard concentration (mucus 3). Linear regression model for predicting viscosity similar to human mucus were generated based on mucus concentration), agitation velocity, and torque, as well as tested for the best fit model for interaction. <bold>Results:</bold> 210 measurements showed viscosity prediction primarily influenced by mucus concentration (67.5%) and velocity (22.8%), with a minor effect of torque (0.9%). The generated model demonstrated human mucus viscosity replication at 50% and 25% concentrations (p<0.001). <bold>Conclusions:</bold> This study highlights promising prospects for producing low-cost artificial mucus suitable for clinical simulations and as a testing model for new respiratory devices, with further trials warranted to enhance results and applicability.