Methods of Measurement for the Evaluation of Monolayer Properties: Development and Applications

摘要

In a number of industrial and biological processes such as foaming and respiration, the properties of surfactants (surface active agents) present at liquid-gas interfaces play a determining role. They cause the interfacial tension to depend on the surface area. In the lungs, the presence of so-called lung surfactant is thought to be jointly responsible for a normal breathing pattern. However, in premature babies respiratory failure may occur which is attributed to an improper lung surfactant function. In order to understand the role of lung surfactant and its components, and in order to develop criteria for an artificial surfactant or for the maturity of lung surfactant, methods of measurement are needed.