First structural resolution of model lung surfactant layers near zero surface tension
An intuitive physical picture of the mechanism of lung surfactant has been built up over the last two decades: lipid is expelled into reservoirs upon compression of the surface area, and surfactant protein B facilities its re-spreading to the surface monolayer during expansion when we breathe, preventing lung collapse. Nevertheless, there has not been direct resolution of the surface structures created in these systems at anything like a realistic surface tension, which is close to zero. We have demonstrated that we are now in a position to prepare and hold model systems at a surface tension close to zero for long enough to measure with neutrons, but a recent experiment on INTER at ISIS was beset with sample trough stability problems. A PhD student whose project was delayed significantly due to restrictions from the covid-19 pandemic is now on the verge of making this breakthrough, but we are missing key data, as a manuscript is drafted but misses data recorded under optimal conditions. The FIGARO instrument responsible (Dr. Gutfreund) is supportive of this application, which will allow us to support the student to complete their thesis and submit a rapid high impact publication.
The data is currently only available to download if you are a member of the proposal team.
The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research publication is in the following format:
Richard A. Campbell; Glenn J. Coope; GUTFREUND Philipp; VARGA Imre and XAVIER Pinchu. (2023). First structural resolution of model lung surfactant layers near zero surface tension. Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) doi:10.5291/ILL-DATA.EASY-1082
This data is not yet public
This data is not yet public
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