LAUSR

Hydrated biological matrices are widely distributed in nature, and the understanding of the complexity and functionality of such systems has increased quite dramatically over the recent years. A picture evolves where such systems are considered as being much more than a bulk filling material but rather represent important physical and biological properties that are pivotal for the survival of the individual organisms. Understanding these properties therefore becomes important in order to e.g. understand pathological conditions and how they can be combatted. Unfortunately, ex vivo investigations of complex biological matrices are not straight forward due to an inherent instability, lack of de novo synthesis and, occasionally, that they are present in very scarce amounts. Hence, it is of great interest to be able to model and study such systems based on available polymers such as hydrocolloids. This mini review describes some of the possibilities and limitations of such models.