Aspects Interaction of Particles with the Air-Liquid Interface Surfactant

Interfacial Aspects Interaction of Particles with the Air-Liquid Interface (Surfactant) 

Pulmonary surfactant stabilizes the gas-exchange region of the lung by reducing the surface tension at the air-liquid interface of the alveoli, particularly during expiration. This is the principal and well-known mechanical function of pulmonary surfactant. 

In contrast, the mechanical functions of airway surfactant are not well established. One of the functions is particle transport Irom the alveoli to the ciliated airways by a surface tension gradient (78,79), another is particle translocation toward the epithelium in airways. In the present chapter we will focus on the latter mechanical function of the airway surfactant film. 

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