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The overall objective of this PhD thesis research is to understand and control phase separation in mixed perfluorinated fatty acid-phospholipid surfactant systems that have applications as pulmonary surfactant (PS) mixtures, with an ultimate view of controlling film composition, morphology and mechanical properties. In this context the interaction between perfluorooctadecanoic acid (C18F), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), the major component of native PS extract, and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol (DPPG) has been explored in Langmuir monolayers and Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films using a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM), fluorescence microscopy (FM) and Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) measurements. Thermodynamic and morphological studies of binary and ternary mixed films made of C18F, DPPC and DPPG indicated that both the phospholipids and C18F were miscible over a wide range of compositions. The mixed phospholipid-C18F films contained multimolecular aggregates that were highly enriched in the phospholipids. Furthermore, it was found that the magnitude of the DPPC-C18F interaction could be modulated by altering the concentration of sodium ions in the underlying subphase. Using a highly simplified lung mimic fluid (pH 7.4, 150mM NaCl), DPPC and C18F became fully immiscible. Moreover, the performance characteristics of the mixed films demonstrated the usefulness of C18F as an additive for PS formulations. The effectiveness of a PS protein mimicking peptide was evaluated against DPPC to allow comparison with previous measurements of DPPC-C18F mixed system. The mixing thermodynamics of the peptide and DPPC in Langmuir monolayer implied a repulsive interaction between the film components. The hysteresis response of the mixed monolayer films indicated that the lipid-protein mixture improved the re-spreading of DPPC films. Moreover, molecular-level organization of the mixed films explored by both FM and BAM confirmed the formation of liquid-expanded DPPC domains in the presence of minute amount of the peptide. In order to obtain a thorough understanding of the effect of the deposition process and surfactant tail polarities on the interfacial behavior of perfluorocarbon-hydrocarbon mixed monolayer films, both BAM and AFM measurements of arachidic acid (C20) with perfluorotetradecanoic acid (C14F) and palmitic acid (C16) with C18F mixed monolayer were performed. These measurements revealed that film morphology was minimally perturbed upon its deposition onto solid substrates. Coarse grained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of films comprised of DPPC molecules with tails of various polarities suggested that the phase separation between the monolayer components could be controlled by varying surfactant tail polarities.

The presence of cholesterol is critical in defining a dynamic lateral structure in pulmonary <p>surfactant membranes, including the segregation of fluid-ordered and fluid-disordered phases. <p>However, an excess of cholesterol has been associated with impaired surface activity both in <p>surfactant models and in surfactant from injured lungs. It has also been reported that surfactant <p>protein SP-C interacts with cholesterol in lipid/protein interfacial films. In the present study, we <p>have analyzed the effect of SP-C on the thermodynamic properties of phospholipid membranes <p>containing cholesterol and on the ability of lipid/protein complexes containing surfactant <p>proteins and cholesterol to form and re-spread interfacial films capable of producing very low <p>surface tensions upon repetitive compression-expansion cycling. We have also analyzed the effect of cholesterol on the <p>structure, orientation and dynamic properties of SP-C embedded in physiologically relevant <p>model membranes. <p><p> / Doctorat en Sciences / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Les poumons présentent de nombreux avantages en tant que voie d’administration de médicaments. Ils possèdent une grande surface (70-100 m2) pour l’adsorption de molécules et de particules, une mince barrière épithéliale, une faible acidité ainsi qu’un système vasculaire sous-jacent abondant. L’administration par inhalation est une approche prometteuse pour le traitement du cancer des poumons et des infections microbiennes comorbides dans 33% des cas puisqu’elle permet la livraison ciblée d’agents chimiothérapeutiques. Les nanoparticules sont des vecteurs idéaux d’acheminements ciblés de médicaments avec des avantages tels qu’une stabilité élevée/une longue durée de conservation ainsi qu’une capacité de transport élevée. Les nanoparticules inhalées atteignant les alvéoles pulmonaires interagissent avec le surfactant pulmonaire. Ce mélange de lipides et de protéines tapisse l’interface eau/air des alvéoles servant ainsi de barrière. L’interaction physique et chimique des nanoparticules avec le surfactant pulmonaire déterminera leur clairance, rétention et translocation. Nous proposons l’utilisation de nanoparticules de phytoglycogène, extraites de maïs sans OGM, pour l’administration pulmonaire d’un peptide anticancéreux et antimicrobien à double action dont l’administration par voie orale ou par injection est problématique. Le nanophytoglycogène, composé de molécules de glucose, est non-biopersistant, non-toxique et est certifié GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) par le Food and Drug Administration pour l’ingestion. Cependant, son innocuité pour l’inhalation reste à déterminer. Avant de déterminer l’efficacité du nanophytoglycogène à des fins de nanotransporteur organique pour la délivrance par aérosol de peptides thérapeutiques, son impact sur les propriétés biophysiques et sur la structure de phase du surfactant pulmonaire doit premièrement être caractérisé. L’objectif du projet est d’étudier les effets de nanophytoglycogène de différentes charges sur les propriétés physicochimiques de modèles du surfactant pulmonaire en utilisant les monocouches Langmuir. Plus précisément, il est question d’étudier les effets des nanoparticules sur l’activité de surface, la morphologie, la réversibilité ainsi que l’épaisseur du film du surfactant pulmonaire. L’imagerie par microscopie à angle de Brewster (BAM, Brewster Angle Microscopy), les isothermes (pression de surface vs aire moléculaire) ainsi que l’ellipsométrie à l’interface eau-air permettent une conjecture des effets néfastes potentielles du nanophytoglycogène sur les poumons. À l’aide de ces techniques, il a été possible d’étudier des monocouches de phospholipides et de protéines, représentant le surfactant pulmonaire. En présence de nanoparticules anioniques et quasi-neutres, les différentes monocouches ne subissaient aucune perturbation. Cependant, les résultats ont démontré que les nanoparticules cationiques se lient aux phospholipides anioniques, ce qui augmente l’épaisseur de la monocouche et ainsi le travail requis pour effectuer un cycle respiratoire. Ces travaux ont démontré l’importance de la charge des nanomatériaux lors de leur interaction avec le surfactant pulmonaire. De plus, les résultats de cette étude ont aussi permis de classer les nanophytoglycogènes quasi-neutre et anionique comme étant des vecteurs de médicaments potentiels. / The human lungs present many advantages as a drug delivery route, namely a high surface area (70-100 m2) for the adsorption of molecular species and particles, a thin epithelial barrier, an abundant underlying vasculature, and low acidity. Inhalation delivery is expected to be an ideal approach for the treatment of lung cancer and associated pulmonary infection (33% of cases) as it allows the site-specific physical delivery of chemotherapeutic. Nanoparticle carriers broaden the options for targeted drug delivery systems with advantages including high stability/long shelf life and high carrier capacity. In the alveoli, inhaled nanoparticles interact with lung (pulmonary) surfactant, a lipid/protein mixture that lines the alveolar air/fluid interface and serves as a primary barrier to uptake. The physical/chemical interaction of the nanoparticles with the surfactant determines their clearance, retention, and translocation. We propose to use novel phytoglycogen nanoparticles, extracted from non-GMO corn, for the pulmonary delivery of a dual action anticancer and antimicrobial peptide that is problematic to deliver orally or by injection. Nanophytoglycogen, composed of glucose molecules, is non-biopersistent, non-toxic and is GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for oral ingestion. However, its safety for inhalation remains to be determined. Before evaluating the efficacy of nanophytoglycogen to serve as an organic nanocarrier for the aerosol delivery of peptide therapeutics, their impact on the biophysical properties and phase structure of lung surfactant must first be characterized. The objective of the research is to investigate the effect of nanophytoglycogens of different surface charge on the physicochemical properties of pulmonary surfactant model systems using Langmuir monolayers. More specifically, the effect of the nanoparticles on the surface activity, morphology, reversibility, and film thickness of pulmonary surfactant is studied. Isotherms (surface pressure vs. molecular area), BAM (Brewster Angle Microscopy) imaging, and ellipsometry at the air-water interface allow a surmise of the potential adverse effects of nanophytoglycogen on the lungs. Using these techniques, it was possible to study monolayers of phospholipids and proteins, representing the pulmonary surfactant. In the presence of anionic and quasi-neutral iv nanoparticles, the different monolayers didn’t undergo any disturbance. However, the results demonstrated that cationic nanoparticles bind to anionic phospholipids, which increases the thickness of the monolayer and thus the work required to complete a respiratory cycle. This study has demonstrated the importance of nanoparticle’s surface charge during their interaction with pulmonary surfactant. In addition, the results of this study also made it possible to classify the quasi-neutral and anionic nanophytoglycogens as being potential drug vectors.

[pt] As propriedades reológicas na interface ar/água de modelos de surfactantes pulmonares (DPPC, DPPC:DPPG, DPPC:DPPG:Colesterol, Survanta e Curosurf) foram investigadas utilizando técnicas de cisalhamento superficiais (reometria de cisalhamento interfacial) e dilatacionais (tensiometria da gota pendente). Assim, alguns parâmetros de interesse foram obtidos para o estudo da viscoelasticidade das amostras (como viscosidade e módulos de armazenamento e perda) e as limitações das técnicas também foram analisadas. Os experimentos foram realizados de forma dinâmica, em que a faixa de frequência de interesse abrange, inclusive, a frequência respiratória de um atleta. Os resultados obtidos mostram a maior viscosidade do Survanta, frente ao Curosurf, e mostram o caráter intermediário do DPPC, que pode ser alterado pela adição de DPPG (aumentando a elasticidade) e Colesterol (aumentando a viscosidade), sugerindo que a mistura DPPC:DPPG pode ser mais adequada do que com DPPC:DPPG:COL para simular o comportamento do surfactante pulmonar. A reometria dilatacional não se mostrou aplicável ao estudo dos surfactantes, o que pode ser causado pela alta viscoelasticidade e relativa instabilidade do Survanta. / [en] The interfacial rheological properties of lung surfactants models (DPPC, DPPC:DPPG, DPPC:DPPG:Cholesterol, Survanta and Curosurf) at the air/water interface were investigated using shear (interfacial shear rheometry) and dilatacional (pendent drop tensiometry) techniques. Thus, some parameters of interest were obtained to study the viscoelasticity of the samples (such as viscosity and storage and loss modules) and the limitations of the techniques were also analyzed. The experiments were carried out dynamically, in which the interest frequency range includes the respiratory rate of an athlete. The results obtained show the higher viscosity of Survanta, compared to Curosurf, and show the intermediate character of DPPC, which can be altered by addition of DPPG (increasing the elasticity) and Cholesterol (increasing the viscosity), suggesting the DPPC:DPPG mixture may be more suitable than with DPPC:DPPG:CHOL to simulate the lung surfactant behavior. The dilatacional rheometry does not shown to be applicable for surfactants studies, which can be caused by the high viscoelasticity and relative instability of Survanta.

<p dir="ltr">The recent COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the risk of respiratory infections leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A significant factor contributing to poor ARDS outcomes is the impairment of lung surfactant due to infiltrating surface-active proteins and phospholipases during lung inflammation. Lung surfactant's vital role in stabilizing alveoli by reducing air-water interfacial tension becomes evident as its dysfunction severely compromises respiratory function. Although lung surfactant (LS) replacement therapy effectively addresses neonatal LS deficiencies, its efficacy in ARDS treatment for adults remains limited. The challenge lies in the chemical similarity between current animal-extracted surfactants and human lung surfactant which are both phospholipid-based. To address this issue, this dissertation outlines a transformative "polymer lung surfactant (PLS)" designed to overcome the limitations of conventional exogenous surfactants in treating ARDS.</p><p dir="ltr">Firstly, a formulation method, referred to as equilibration-nanoprecipitation (ENP), is established which achieves reproducibility, controls sizing, and limits dispersity of the PLS formulation consisting of block copolymer (BCP) kinetically "frozen" micelles/nanoparticles suspended in water. The method uses a two-step approach of 1) equilibrating the BCP nanoparticles in a water/co-solvent mixture and 2) removing co-solvent using dialysis against a large water reservoir. Comparison of ENP with a conventional solvent-exchange technique through experimental and computational analysis yields further insights into ENP's advantages.</p><p dir="ltr">Next, various studies are highlighted which provide fundamental characterizations of the air-water surface behavior and physical properties of BCP nanoparticles in water. The air-water surface properties of block copolymers have been studied extensively when spread as free chains in organic solvent; however, little was previously known about air-water interfacial behavior of water-spread polymer nanoparticles. The studies address such topics as the effect of nanoparticle size, effect of nanoparticle core chemistry, and the effect of temperature on surface-mechanical behavior. Insights into nanoparticle molecular structure at the interface are provided through X-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence X-ray diffraction. The effect of temperature is further characterized by developing novel NMR and Langmuir trough methods to determine the physical state (glassy vs rubbery) of the core domain in the nanoconfined state at temperatures above and below physiologic temperature.</p><p dir="ltr">Lastly, <i>in vivo </i>studies are presented which demonstrate the detailed and promising proof-of-concept results on the efficacy of the PLS technology in mouse models of lung injury. The PLS therapy not only improves biomechanical function of the lung, but it also significantly lowers the extent of lung injury as shown by histological analysis and inflammatory marker measurements. An additional <i>in vivo </i>study is presented which highlights challenges in the delivery of the liquid PLS suspension to the lungs. The <i>in vivo </i>studies ultimately provide solid motivation for continued research into the development of the PLS therapy.</p><p dir="ltr">Given the promising potential of the PLS technology shown in the <i>in vivo</i> studies, the materials characterizations shared in this presentation offer valuable insights into the design of a novel PLS therapy. From these insights, key design parameters such as nanoparticle size characteristics, core chemistry, and core molecular weight can be chosen to produce the most desirable material properties. Overall, this dissertation furthers the progress of PLS therapeutic development and will hopefully ultimately contribute to improved health outcomes in patients suffering from ARDS.</p>

INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento das doenças decorrentes das deficiências quantitativa ou qualitativa do surfactante pulmonar consiste na reposição exógena, porém, esta terapêutica é de alto custo devido, basicamente, à metodologia sofisticada de produção do surfactante e à necessidade de importação. Com o propósito de reduzir os custos deste tratamento, o Instituto Butantan, em São Paulo, Brasil, desenvolveu uma nova tecnologia de produção, que demanda menor custo, através da extração orgânica de macerado de pulmão de suínos acoplada à adsorção em um derivado de celulose (DEAE-celulose). MÉTODOS: Com o objetivo de testar a eficácia deste novo produto, 74 coelhos prematuros de 27 dias de gestação foram randomizados em três grupos de estudo, de acordo com o tipo de tratamento realizado: Grupo Controle (n = 28, sem tratamento), Grupo Butantan (n = 22, Surfactante Butantan 50 mg/kg) e Grupo Survanta (n = 24, Survanta® 50 mg/kg). Os animais foram submetidos à ventilação mecânica com freqüência respiratória de 60 ciclos/ minuto, pressão expiratória positiva final de zero, tempo inspiratório de 0,5 segundo e fração inspirada de oxigênio de 21%, durante 20 minutos. O volume-corrente foi ajustado manualmente em 8 ml/kg durante o período da ventilação e a pressão ventilatória (pressão inspiratória - pressão expiratória final positiva) atingida foi registrada através de um pletismógrafo a cada 5 minutos. A complacência dinâmica foi determinada pela relação entre o volume-corrente e a pressão ventilatória. Ao final da ventilação, os animais foram divididos em dois grupos, um para a realização da curva pressão-volume e o outro para o estudo histopatológico. A análise histopatológica foi realizada com a determinação do tamanho alveolar médio, através da estimativa do intercepto linear médio (Lm); e com o cálculo do índice de distorção (ID) que indica a heterogeneidade do parênquima pulmonar. RESULTADOS: O volume-corrente alvo de 8 ml/kg foi atingido nos três grupos de estudo. Quanto a pressão ventilatória, foi observado menores pressões nos animais dos grupos Survanta® e Butantan durante todo o período da ventilação em relação ao grupo Controle. Melhor complacência dinâmica foi observada, não havendo diferença significante entre os grupos Survanta® e Butantan. Em relação à curva pressão-volume, volumes pulmonares maiores foram observados nos grupos Butantan e Survanta® comparados aos do grupo Controle; houve, também, melhor estabilização dos volumes pulmonares na fase expiratória entre os animais dos grupos tratados em relação ao grupo Controle. A análise histopatológica mostrou maior quantidade de alvéolos normais e menor de alvéolos hiperdistendidos ou colapsados nos animais do grupo que recebeu o novo surfactante e o grupo Survanta. No grupo controle, além de apresentar mais alvéolos colapsados e hiperdistendidos, houve também maior ocorrência de áreas com edema alveolar e derrame de material hialino na luz alveolar em relação aos outros dois grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Baseado nos resultados acima, concluiu-se que a administração do novo surfactante, produzido a partir da extração orgânica acoplada à adsorção em derivado de celulose, uma tecnologia de menor custo desenvolvida no Brasil, leva a melhora significativa das propriedades mecânicas pulmonares e da histerese na curva pressão-volume, além de apresentar melhor aeração do parênquima pulmonar e de forma mais homogênea, em coelhos prematuros. Estes efeitos foram semelhantes aos produzidos com a administração de um surfactante disponível no mercado para o uso clínico rotineiro / INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary diseases related to quantitative or qualitative surfactant deficiency are well described, mainly in neonatology. The treatment with surfactant replacement is effective although costly, due to the complexity of surfactant production and imports costs. Aiming the reduction of the cost associated with this therapy, the Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil, developed a new technology based in organic extraction coupled with adsorption on a cellulose derivative, resulting in lower final cost. METHODS: In order to test the in vivo efficacy of this new product, 27 days gestation preterm rabbits were randomized after tracheostomy into 3 study groups, according to the type of treatment received: Control Group (n = 28, no treatment), Butantan Group (n = 22, Butantan surfactant, 50 mg/kg) or Survanta Group (n = 24, Survanta® 50 mg/kg). Mechanical ventilation was initiated with respiratory rate, 60 cycles/min; positive end expiratory pressure, zero and inspiratory time, 0.5 sec; FiO2, 21%. Inspiratory pressure and tidal volume was continuosly evaluated using a pletismograph, and set according to the necessary in order to ventilate with a preset target tidal volume of 8 ml/kg. Respiratory parameters were recorded each five min until the end of ventilation, after 20 min. Ventilatory pressure was defined as inspiratory pressure - positive end expiratory pressure (cmH2O); dynamic compliance (DC) was calculated as DC = {[Tidal volume (ml) / (Body weight (g)/1000)] / ventilatory pressure (cmH2O)}. After the end of ventilation period the animals were divided into two groups: the first for PV curve evaluation and the second for histopathological analysis. The histopathological analysis was performed with determination of mean alveolar size, using mean linear intercept (Lm) and the distortion index, to evaluate the heterogeneity of pulmonary parenchyma. Statistical analysis was by ANOVA ONE WAY, with Student-Newman-Keuls as post hoc test. Significance level was set at p = 0.05. RESULTS: The target tidal volume was achieved in all groups. We found lower ventilatory pressures, higher dynamic compliances and pulmonary volumes in both surfactant treated groups compared to the Control group, with no difference between them. Butantan surfactant and Survanta resulted in increased Lm and lower alveoli asymmetry, as evaluated by distortion index. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the new surfactant produced by Butantan Institute resulted in improvement of lung mechanics and histhopatological findings similar to the obtained with a clinicaly available surfactant, with no differences between them

INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento das doenças decorrentes das deficiências quantitativa ou qualitativa do surfactante pulmonar consiste na reposição exógena, porém, esta terapêutica é de alto custo devido, basicamente, à metodologia sofisticada de produção do surfactante e à necessidade de importação. Com o propósito de reduzir os custos deste tratamento, o Instituto Butantan, em São Paulo, Brasil, desenvolveu uma nova tecnologia de produção, que demanda menor custo, através da extração orgânica de macerado de pulmão de suínos acoplada à adsorção em um derivado de celulose (DEAE-celulose). MÉTODOS: Com o objetivo de testar a eficácia deste novo produto, 74 coelhos prematuros de 27 dias de gestação foram randomizados em três grupos de estudo, de acordo com o tipo de tratamento realizado: Grupo Controle (n = 28, sem tratamento), Grupo Butantan (n = 22, Surfactante Butantan 50 mg/kg) e Grupo Survanta (n = 24, Survanta® 50 mg/kg). Os animais foram submetidos à ventilação mecânica com freqüência respiratória de 60 ciclos/ minuto, pressão expiratória positiva final de zero, tempo inspiratório de 0,5 segundo e fração inspirada de oxigênio de 21%, durante 20 minutos. O volume-corrente foi ajustado manualmente em 8 ml/kg durante o período da ventilação e a pressão ventilatória (pressão inspiratória - pressão expiratória final positiva) atingida foi registrada através de um pletismógrafo a cada 5 minutos. A complacência dinâmica foi determinada pela relação entre o volume-corrente e a pressão ventilatória. Ao final da ventilação, os animais foram divididos em dois grupos, um para a realização da curva pressão-volume e o outro para o estudo histopatológico. A análise histopatológica foi realizada com a determinação do tamanho alveolar médio, através da estimativa do intercepto linear médio (Lm); e com o cálculo do índice de distorção (ID) que indica a heterogeneidade do parênquima pulmonar. RESULTADOS: O volume-corrente alvo de 8 ml/kg foi atingido nos três grupos de estudo. Quanto a pressão ventilatória, foi observado menores pressões nos animais dos grupos Survanta® e Butantan durante todo o período da ventilação em relação ao grupo Controle. Melhor complacência dinâmica foi observada, não havendo diferença significante entre os grupos Survanta® e Butantan. Em relação à curva pressão-volume, volumes pulmonares maiores foram observados nos grupos Butantan e Survanta® comparados aos do grupo Controle; houve, também, melhor estabilização dos volumes pulmonares na fase expiratória entre os animais dos grupos tratados em relação ao grupo Controle. A análise histopatológica mostrou maior quantidade de alvéolos normais e menor de alvéolos hiperdistendidos ou colapsados nos animais do grupo que recebeu o novo surfactante e o grupo Survanta. No grupo controle, além de apresentar mais alvéolos colapsados e hiperdistendidos, houve também maior ocorrência de áreas com edema alveolar e derrame de material hialino na luz alveolar em relação aos outros dois grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Baseado nos resultados acima, concluiu-se que a administração do novo surfactante, produzido a partir da extração orgânica acoplada à adsorção em derivado de celulose, uma tecnologia de menor custo desenvolvida no Brasil, leva a melhora significativa das propriedades mecânicas pulmonares e da histerese na curva pressão-volume, além de apresentar melhor aeração do parênquima pulmonar e de forma mais homogênea, em coelhos prematuros. Estes efeitos foram semelhantes aos produzidos com a administração de um surfactante disponível no mercado para o uso clínico rotineiro / INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary diseases related to quantitative or qualitative surfactant deficiency are well described, mainly in neonatology. The treatment with surfactant replacement is effective although costly, due to the complexity of surfactant production and imports costs. Aiming the reduction of the cost associated with this therapy, the Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil, developed a new technology based in organic extraction coupled with adsorption on a cellulose derivative, resulting in lower final cost. METHODS: In order to test the in vivo efficacy of this new product, 27 days gestation preterm rabbits were randomized after tracheostomy into 3 study groups, according to the type of treatment received: Control Group (n = 28, no treatment), Butantan Group (n = 22, Butantan surfactant, 50 mg/kg) or Survanta Group (n = 24, Survanta® 50 mg/kg). Mechanical ventilation was initiated with respiratory rate, 60 cycles/min; positive end expiratory pressure, zero and inspiratory time, 0.5 sec; FiO2, 21%. Inspiratory pressure and tidal volume was continuosly evaluated using a pletismograph, and set according to the necessary in order to ventilate with a preset target tidal volume of 8 ml/kg. Respiratory parameters were recorded each five min until the end of ventilation, after 20 min. Ventilatory pressure was defined as inspiratory pressure - positive end expiratory pressure (cmH2O); dynamic compliance (DC) was calculated as DC = {[Tidal volume (ml) / (Body weight (g)/1000)] / ventilatory pressure (cmH2O)}. After the end of ventilation period the animals were divided into two groups: the first for PV curve evaluation and the second for histopathological analysis. The histopathological analysis was performed with determination of mean alveolar size, using mean linear intercept (Lm) and the distortion index, to evaluate the heterogeneity of pulmonary parenchyma. Statistical analysis was by ANOVA ONE WAY, with Student-Newman-Keuls as post hoc test. Significance level was set at p = 0.05. RESULTS: The target tidal volume was achieved in all groups. We found lower ventilatory pressures, higher dynamic compliances and pulmonary volumes in both surfactant treated groups compared to the Control group, with no difference between them. Butantan surfactant and Survanta resulted in increased Lm and lower alveoli asymmetry, as evaluated by distortion index. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the new surfactant produced by Butantan Institute resulted in improvement of lung mechanics and histhopatological findings similar to the obtained with a clinicaly available surfactant, with no differences between them

[pt] A simulação da adsorção da prednisolona em um modelo de surfactante pulmonar foi realizada com sucesso usando dinâmica molecular coarse grained a uma temperatura de 310 K. O modelo coarse grained da prednisolona foi parametrizado usando o modelo do colesterol e validado utilizando cálculos de coeficientes de partição octanol-água e coeficientes de difusão lateral. O coeficiente de partição octanol-água calculado para prednisolona a 298 K é 3,9 mais ou menos 1,6 que possui um acordo razoável com o valor experimental. O coeficiente de difusão lateral da prednisolona na monocamada mista de DPPC/POPC é estimado ser (6 mais ou menos 4) x10(-7) cm(2) s(-1) a 20 mN m(-1), o que está de acordo com o encontrado para o colesterol. A monocamada mista de DPPC/POPC foi utilizada como modelo de surfactante pulmonar onde moléculas de prednisolona foram adsorvidas formando nanoagregados. Os nanoagregados de prednisolona foram transferidos dentro da monocamada mista DPPC/POPC sendo espalhados na tensão superficial de 20 mN m(-1). A 0 e 10 mN m(-1) os nanoagregados de prednisolona induzem o colapso da monocamada mista DPPC/POPC formando bicamadas. A implicação deste trabalho é que a prednisolona pode apenas ser administrada com surfactante pulmonar utilizando baixas frações em massa de prednisolona por lipídio (menor que 10 por cento). Com frações elevadas, o colapso inativa as propriedades do surfactante pulmonar pela formação de uma bicamada. Os resultados desta pesquisa podem ser utilizados para o desenvolvimento de novos tratamentos clínicos de doenças como a síndrome da angústia respiratória do recém-nascido, asma e doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica. / [en] The simulation of prednisolone adsorption on a lung surfactant model was successfully performed using coarse grained molecular dynamics at 310 K (dynamics first performed). The coarse grained model for prednisolone was parameterized using a well-established cholesterol model and validated by using calculations of octanol–water partition coefficients and lateral diffusion coefficients. The calculated octanol–water partition coefficient of prednisolone at 298 K is 3.9 more or less 1.6, which is in reasonable agreement with experiment. The lateral diffusion coefficient of prednisolone in the DPPC/POPC mixed monolayer is estimated to be (6 more or less 4) x10(-7) cm(2) s(-1) at 20 mN m(-1), which is in agreement with that found for cholesterol. The DPPC/POPC mixed monolayer was used as lung surfactant model where prednisolone molecules were adsorbed forming nanoaggregates. The nanoaggregates of prednisolone were transferred into the DPPC/POPC mixed monolayer being spread at the surface tension of 20 mN m(-1). At 0 and 10 mN m(-1) , the prednisolone nanoaggregates induce the collapse of the DPPC/POPC mixed monolayer forming a bilayer. The implications of this work are that prednisolone may only be administered with lung surfactant by using low mass fractions of prednisolone per lipid (less than 10 percent). And, with high fractions, the collapse inactivates the properties of the lung surfactant by forming a bilayer. The results of this research can be used to develop new clinical treatments for diseases such as respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.