Modelling the Subdiffusive Motion of Bacteriophages within Mucus

This thesis explores how bacteriophages (viruses) move through mucus, a protective barrier in the body. Experiments show that phages slow down because they stick to parts of the mucus network. Using computer simulations, this study models mucus as a network of linear polymers and phages as sticky dendrimers (branched polymers). Our results show that dendrimers smaller than the network's ?mesh? move slowly due to their sticky interactions, similar to phages in mucus. This behaviour depends on how many sticky sites exist and how long they bind. These findings improve our understanding of virus transport in mucus and support the development of more effective phage-based therapies.