Limestone can absorb heat thermal energy from heated gases and release carbon dioxide that has been applied in mines to prevent coal dust explosions. However, the effect of various rock dust particles on altering mucin exocytosis and its rheological properties, leading to concomitant pathological responses, is still unclear. Our research investigated the difference among common rock dusts used in the industry (unmodified limestone (UCRD) and surface modified limestone (MTRD)), their effects on mucin swelling kinetics and airway mucin viscoelastic properties of A549 cells. Our data showed no obvious cytotoxicity on A549 cells with modified and unmodified dust particle exposures. MTRD (modified particles) also demonstrate less harmful effects with less calcium leaching out and cause less disturbance on mucus viscosity compared with UCRD (unmodified particles). Based on the results obtained from this study, modified dust particles provide a better possibility with less interference with airway mucus viscosity and clearance. These findings will provide much needed knowledge and understanding to establish the selection criteria/consideration of rock dusts for the coal industry practical applications.

石灰石可以从加热的气体中吸收热能并释放二氧化碳，已在矿山中使用以防止煤尘爆炸。然而，各种岩尘颗粒对改变粘蛋白胞吐作用及其流变学特性的影响，导致伴随的病理反应，仍不清楚。我们的研究调查了行业中使用的常见岩粉（未改性石灰石 (UCRD) 和表面改性石灰石 (MTRD)）之间的差异，以及它们对 A549 细胞粘蛋白溶胀动力学和气道粘蛋白粘弹性的影响。我们的数据显示，经过修饰和未经修饰的灰尘颗粒暴露对 A549 细胞没有明显的细胞毒性。与 UCRD（未改性颗粒）相比，MTRD（改性颗粒）也表现出更少的有害影响，更少的钙渗出，对粘液粘度的干扰更少。根据从这项研究中获得的结果，改性粉尘颗粒提供了更好的可能性，对气道粘液粘度和清除的干扰较小。这些发现将提供急需的知识和理解，以建立煤炭工业实际应用中岩粉的选择标准/考虑因素。