| We have investigated the mechanical influence of surfactant physicochemical properties on the progression of a semi-infinite air bubble in a fluid filled rigid capillary. This system mimics the continual interfacial expansion dynamics that occur during the opening of collapsed pulmonary airways. The goal of this study is to ascertain the surfactant physicochemical properties that are responsible for reducing airway reopening pressures that may damage lung epithelial cells. To accomplish this goal, we have developed experimental and computational models of this system.; The experimental model is used to measure the ability of various surfactants to alter the reopening pressure. The non-physiologic surfactant, SDS, is capable of reducing the interfacial stresses that elevate the reopening pressure, the main component of pulmonary surfactant, L-α-dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), exhibits large stresses, and the clinically relevant surfactant, Infasurf, reduces the reopening pressure but maintains a surface shear or Marangoni stress. Infasurf's behavior suggests that optimal surfactant properties will reduce the reopening pressures that may damage airway epithelial cells while maintaining the Marangoni stress that enhances airway stability.; Analysis of the experimental data is based on a modification of previous theoretical models which can not simulate non-equilibrium conditions near the bubble tip. Therefore, we have developed a theoretical model of surfactant effects that is capable of simulating these non-equilibrium dynamics. The coupled governing equations for fluid mechanics, molecular transport, and interfacial dynamics, are solved using a combined boundary element, dual reciprocity boundary element, and finite difference scheme. Scaling of the governing equations yields dimensionless parameters that identify the relative importance of surfactant physicochemical properties.; Independent parameter variation studies are used to investigate how individual physicochemical properties influence the mechanics of the system. We found that the non-equilibrium adsorption of surfactant can significantly elevate the reopening pressure. In addition, a computational technique that simulates the experimental protocol indicates that Infasurf's sorption properties are at least ten times larger than DPPC.; As a result of these studies, the surfactant physicochemical properties that influence lung inflation pressures and lung stability have been identified. Knowledge of these properties may be useful in the development and/or administration of novel pulmonary surfactant replacements. |
