The adsorption profile and viscoelastic properties of bovine submaxillary gland mucin (BSM) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), extracted from a commercial mucin preparation, adsorbing to polystyrene surfaces has been studied using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). A significant difference in the adsorption properties of the different proteins was detected; with the BSA adsorbing in a flat rigid layer whilst the mucin adsorbed in a diffuse, highly viscoelastic layer. Subsequent addition of BSA to the preadsorbed mucin layer resulted in stiffening of the protein layer which was attributed to complexation of the mucin by BSA. In contrast, a preadsorbed layer of BSA prevented mucin adsorption altogether. Combined mixtures of mucin and BSA in well defined ratios revealed intermediate properties between the two separate protein species which varied systematically with the protein ratios. The results shed light on the synergistic effects of complexation of lower molecular weight biomolecular species with mucin. The possibility to selectively control protein uptake and tailor the physical properties of the adsorbed layer makes mucin an attractive option for application in biomaterial coatings. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.