Effect of Nanoparticle Physicochemical Properties on Lung Surfactant Function

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Project Period: 
2009
Project Investigator(s): 
J. Fiegel, Division of Pharmaceutics and Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa
Abstract: 

The lung fluid interface plays an important role in stabilizing the lung during physiological processes such as breathing. Inhaled nanomaterials deposited on the lung fluid surfaces can adversely affect the stability and function of the fluid. However, biophysical and biochemical changes to this interface due to the deposition of nanoparticles with varying physicochemical properties have not been systematically studied. This project aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which nanoparticles alter the function of complex lung fluid interfaces through simultaneous surface rheological and tensiometric studies and fluorescence microscopy. We ultimately aim to develop new paradigms to predict loss of surfactant function based on nanoparticle physicochemical properties (size, surface area, surface charge, relative hydrophobicity and composition).

Publications: 

Farnoud AM, Fiege J. Interaction of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine monolayers with a particle-laden subphase. J Phys Chem B. 2013; 117:12124-12134

Farnoud AM, Fiege J. Low concentrations of negatively charged sub-micron particles alter the microstructure of DPPC at the air-water interface; Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 415 (2102) 320-327