Dynamic Surface Tension Behavior of a Mixed Insoluble/Soluble Surfactant Dispersion at Pulsating Air/Liquid Interfaces: Roles of the Soluble Surfactant

Abstract

The influence of tyloxapol on the dynamic surface tension response of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) dispersions at pulsating air/liquid interfaces was investigated. For a 1000 ppm DPPC dispersion prepared by sonication with a larger particle size, the dynamic surface activity of DPPC was strongly affected by the addition of 100 ppm tyloxapol. With a longer sonication time or smaller particle size, the DPPC inactivation was still observed but was somewhat less significant, resulting in slightly lower dynamic surface tensions. If a DPPC dispersion was sonicated in the presence of tyloxapol, the particle size of DPPC was greatly reduced by tyloxapol and the inhibitory effect of tyloxapol on the dynamic adsorption of DPPC may be significantly diminished. The results suggest that the competitive adsorption of tyloxapol may have a detrimental effect on the dynamic surface tension lowering ability of a DPPC dispersion with the extent depending on the DPPC dispersion state. Nevertheless, the dynamic surface activity of DPPC may be enhanced through the improved dispersion by tyloxapol if an appropriate preparation protocol is applied, and the inhibitory effect of tyloxapol may be reduced or overcome.