Mum Range Research Articles

New near-IR observations of mesospheric CO2and H2O clouds on Mars

Carbon dioxide clouds, which are speculated by models on solar and extra-solar planets, have been recently observed near the equator of Mars. The most comprehensive identification of Martian CO2 ice clouds has been obtained by the near-IR imaging spectrometer OMEGA. CRISM, a similar instrument with a higher spatial resolution, cannot detect these clouds with the same method due to its shorter wavelength range. Here we present a new method to detect CO2 clouds using near-IR data based on the comparison of H2O and CO2 ice spectral properties. The spatial and seasonal distributions of 54 CRISM observations containing CO2 clouds are reported, in addition to 17 new OMEGA observations. CRISM CO2 clouds are characterized by grain size in the 0.5-2\mum range and optical depths lower than 0.3. The distributions of CO2 clouds inferred from OMEGA and CRISM are consistent with each other and match at first order the distribution of high altitude (>60km) clouds derived from previous studies. At second order, discrepancies are observed. We report the identification of H2O clouds extending up to 80 km altitude, which could explain part of these discrepancies: both CO2 and H2O clouds can exist at high, mesospheric altitudes. CRISM observations of afternoon CO2 clouds display morphologies resembling terrestrial cirrus, which generalizes a previous result to the whole equatorial clouds season. Finally, we show that morning OMEGA observations have been previously misinterpreted as evidence for cumuliform, and hence potentially convective, CO2 clouds.

Low-temperature FIR and submillimetre mass absorption coefficient of interstellar silicate dust analogues

Cold dust grains emission in the FIR/submm is usually expressed as a modified black body law in which the dust mass absorption coefficient (MAC), is described with a temperature- and wavelength-independent emissivity spectral index, beta. However, numerous data from space and balloon-born missions and recently from Herschel and Planck show that dust emission is not well understood, as revealed by the observed anti-correlation of beta with the grain temperature. In order to give astronomers the necessary data to interpret FIR/submm observations, we synthesised analogues of interstellar amorphous and crystalline silicate grains, rich in Mg and Ca, and having stiochiometry of olivine and pyroxene and measured their MAC, in the 100-1000/1500 \mum range for grain temperatures varying from 300 to 10 K. We find that the grain MAC decreases when the grain temperature decreases and that the local spectral index, beta, defined as the slope of the MAC curve, is anti-correlated with the grain temperature. These variations, which are not observed in the crystallised samples, are related to the amorphous nature of the samples. In addition, the spectral shape of the MAC is complex: at short wavelengths (lambda < 500/700 \mum), beta is in the range 1.6 - 2.1 for all grain temperature and grain composition whereas at longer wavelengths (lambda > 500/700 \mum), beta < 2 for samples with a pyroxene stoichiometry and beta > 2 for samples with an olivine stoichiometry. Hence, the simplifying asymptotic expression based on a single temperature- and wavelength-independent spectral index used by astronomers is not appropriate to describe the dust MAC and thus the dust emission, and may induce significant errors on the derived parameters such as the dust mass and the dust physical and chemical properties. Instead, dust emission models should use the dust MAC as a function of wavelength and temperature.

Bisethylnorspermine Lipopolyamine as Potential Delivery Vector for Combination Drug/Gene Anticancer Therapies

To design novel synthetic gene delivery system in which the carrier molecule functions dually as a carrier and a cytotoxic agent targeting dysregulated polyamine metabolism in cancer. Bisethylnorspermine (BENSpm) lipopolyamine was synthesized and its toxicity evaluated by MTS assay in MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells. Transfection activity was determined using luciferase plasmid DNA. Asymmetrical lipid analogue of polyamine anticancer drug BENSpm was synthesized using nucleophilic ring opening of azetidinium ion. The synthesized LipoBENSpm showed cytotoxicity comparable to that of parent BENSpm in human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 but mediated 3-4 orders magnitude higher transfection activity. Importantly, cytostatic activity of BENSpm, typically in a low muM range, falls within a relevant and typical concentration range required for efficient gene delivery. These findings make gene delivery vectors based on BENSpm promising candidates for combination drug/gene approaches to the treatment of cancer.

Monitoring Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Approach Curves with Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy: Toward a Novel Current-Independent Positioning Mode

Single-bounce attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy in the 3-20 mum range (mid-infrared, MIR) has been combined with scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) for in situ spectroscopic detection of electrochemically induced localized surface modifications using an ultramicroelectrode (UME). In this study, a novel current-independent approach for positioning the UME in aqueous electrolyte solution is presented using either changes of infrared (IR) absorption intensity associated with borosilicate glass (BSG), which is used as shielding material of the UME wire, or by monitoring IR changes of the water spectrum within the penetration depth of the evanescent field due to displacement of water molecules in the volume between the sample surface and the UME within the evanescent field. The experimental results show that the UME penetrates into the exponentially decaying evanescent field in close vicinity (a few micrometer) to the attenuated total reflection (ATR) crystal surface. Hence, the resulting intensity changes of the IR absorption spectra for borosilicate glass (increase) and for water (decrease) can be used to determine the position of the UME relative to the ATR crystal surface independent of the current measured at the UME.

Recognition of Anions and Neutral Guests by Dicationic Pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide Receptors

Dicationic N-methylated at pyridyl or quinolyl moieties derivatives of three isomers of N,N'-bis(pyridyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide (o-, m-, and p-1) and of N,N'-bis(3-quinolyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide (4) strongly bind anions in MeCN (log K in the range 3.5-6.5) with pronounced selectivity for Cl(-) and also bind neutral urea and amide guests with log K in the range 1.1-2.8. Crystal structures of the triflate salts of m-1, p-1, and 4 show that amide NH and pyridinium o-CH groups are directed inside the receptor cleft with their four protons forming a circle of radius ca. 2.35 A optimal for inclusion of Cl(-). The binding of anions to these protons is evident from the crystal structure of a mixed triflate/chloride salt of p-1, calculated (DFT/B3LYP 6-31G**) structures of 1:1 complexes of all receptors with Cl(-), and results of (1)H NMR titrations. In the crystal structure of o-1 pyridinium N-Me(+) groups are directed inside the receptor cleft impeding the anion complexation, but calculations demonstrate that simple rotation of pyridinium rings in opposite directions by ca. 30 degrees creates a cavity to which the Cl(-) ion can fit forming 4 hydrogen bonds to amide NH and aliphatic CH groups of N-Me(+). The results of (1)H NMR titrations confirm this type of binding in solution. Anions quench the intense fluorescence of 4, which allows their fluorescent sensing in the muM range. A new methodology for determination of anion binding constants to strongly acidic receptors by inhibitory effects of anions on the receptor deprotonation by an external base has been developed. High affinity and selectivity of anion complexation by dicationic pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamides is attributed to the rigid preorganized structure of receptors, the high acidity of NH and CH groups, and the electrostatic charge effect.

Rationalization of the inhibition activity of structurally related organometallic compounds against the drug target cathepsin B by DFT

A series of organometallic compounds of general formula [(arene)M(PTA)(n)X(m)]Y (arene = eta(6)-C(10)H(14), eta-C(5)Me(5)); M = Ru(ii), Os(ii), Rh(iii) and Ir(iii); X = Cl, mPTA; Y = OTf, PF(6)) have been screened for their cytotoxicity and ability to inhibit cathepsin B in vitro, in comparison to the antimetastatic compound NAMI-A. The Ru and Os analogues and NAMI-A showed similar enzyme inhibition properties (with IC(50) values in the low muM range), whereas the Rh(iii) and Ir(iii) compounds were inactive. In order to build up a rational for the observed differences, DFT calculations of the metal complexes adducts with N-acetyl-l-cysteine-N'-methylamide, a mimic for the Cys residue in the cathepsin B active site, were performed to provide insights into binding thermodynamics in solution. Initial structure-activity relationships have been defined with the calculated binding energies of the M-S bonds correlating well with the observed inhibition properties of the compounds.

RADIATIVE TRANSFER MODELS OF MID-INFRARED H2O LINES IN THE PLANET-FORMING REGION OF CIRCUMSTELLAR DISKS

The study of warm molecular gas in the inner regions of protoplanetary disks is of key importance for the study of planet formation and especially for the transport of H2O and organic molecules to the surfaces of rocky planets/satellites. Recent Spitzer observations have shown that the mid-infrared spectra of protoplanetary disks are covered in emission lines due to water and other molecules. Here, we present a non-LTE 2D radiative transfer model of water lines in the 10-36 mum range that can be used to constrain the abundance structure of water vapor, given an observed spectrum, and show that an assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) does not accurately estimate the physical conditions of the water vapor emission zones. By applying the model to published Spitzer spectra we find that: 1) most water lines are subthermally excited, 2) the gas-to-dust ratio must be one to two orders of magnitude higher than the canonical interstellar medium ratio of 100-200, and 3) the gas temperature must be higher than the dust temperature, and 4) the water vapor abundance in the disk surface must be truncated beyond ~ 1 AU. A low efficiency of water formation below ~ 300 K may naturally result in a lower water abundance beyond a certain radius. However, we find that chemistry, may not be sufficient to produce an abundance drop of many orders of magnitude and speculate that the depletion may also be caused by vertical turbulent diffusion of water vapor from the superheated surface to regions below the snow line, where the water can freeze out and be transported to the midplane as part of the general dust settling. Such a vertical cold finger effect is likely to be efficient due to the lack of a replenishment mechanism of large, water-ice coated dust grains to the disk surface.

Inhibitors of N α-acetyl-l-ornithine deacetylase: synthesis, characterization and analysis of their inhibitory potency

A series of N (alpha)-acyl (alkyl)- and N (alpha)-alkoxycarbonyl-derivatives of L- and D-ornithine were prepared, characterized, and analyzed for their potency toward the bacterial enzyme N (alpha)-acetyl-L-ornithine deacetylase (ArgE). ArgE catalyzes the conversion of N (alpha)-acetyl-L-ornithine to L-ornithine in the fifth step of the biosynthetic pathway for arginine, a necessary step for bacterial growth. Most of the compounds tested provided IC(50) values in the muM range toward ArgE, indicating that they are moderately strong inhibitors. N (alpha)-chloroacetyl-L-ornithine (1g) was the best inhibitor tested toward ArgE providing an IC(50) value of 85 microM while N (alpha)-trifluoroacetyl-L-ornithine (1f), N (alpha)-ethoxycarbonyl-L-ornithine (2b), and N (alpha)-acetyl-D-ornithine (1a) weakly inhibited ArgE activity providing IC(50) values between 200 and 410 microM. Weak inhibitory potency toward Bacillus subtilis-168 for N (alpha)-acetyl-D-ornithine (1a) and N (alpha)-fluoro- (1f), N (alpha)-chloro- (1g), N (alpha)-dichloro- (1h), and N (alpha)-trichloroacetyl-ornithine (1i) was also observed. These data correlate well with the IC(50) values determined for ArgE, suggesting that these compounds might be capable of getting across the cell membrane and that ArgE is likely the bacterial enzymatic target.

Monolithic poly(1,2‐bis(p‐vinylphenyl)ethane) capillary columns for simultaneous separation of low‐ and high‐molecular‐weight compounds

Monolithic poly(1,2-bis(p-vinylphenyl)ethane (BVPE)) capillary columns were prepared by thermally initiated free radical polymerisation of 1,2-bis(p-vinylphenyl)ethane in the presence of inert diluents (porogens) and alpha,alpha'-azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator. Polymerisations were accomplished in 200 microm ID fused silica capillaries at 65 degrees C and for 60 min. Mercury intrusion porosimetry measurements of the polymeric RP support showed a broad bimodal pore-size-distribution of mesopores and small macropores in the range of 5-400 nm and flow-channels in the mum range. N(2)-adsorption (BET) analysis resulted in a tremendous enhancement of surface area (101 m(2)/g) of BVPE stationary phases compared to typical organic monoliths (approximately 20 m(2)/g), indicating the presence of a considerable amount of mesopores. Consequently, the adequate proportion of both meso- and (small) macropores allowed the rapid and high-resolution separation of low-molecular-weight compounds as well as biomolecules on the same monolithic support. At the same time, the high fraction of flow-channels provided enhanced column permeability. The chromatographic performance of poly(1,2-bis(p-vinylphenyl)ethane) capillary columns for the separation of biomolecules (proteins, oligonucleotides) and small molecules (alkyl benzenes, phenols, phenons) are demonstrated in this article. Additionally, pressure drop versus flow rate measurements of novel poly(1,2-bis(p-vinylphenyl)ethane) capillary columns confirmed high mechanical robustness, low swelling in organic solvents and high permeability. Due to the simplicity of monolith fabrication, comprehensive studies of the retention and separation behaviour of monolithic BVPE columns resulted in high run-to-run and batch-to-batch reproducibilities. All these attributes prove the excellent applicability of monolithic poly(1,2-bis(p-vinylphenyl)ethane) capillary columns for micro-HPLC towards a huge range of analytes of different chemistries and molecular sizes.

Analysis of N‐acetylaminosugars by CE: A comparative derivatization study

N-linked or O-linked glycans derived from glycoprotein processing carry, an N-acetylglucosamine or an N-acetylgalactosamine respectively, at their reducing termini. The presence of the N-acetylamino group on C-2 of reducing sugar residues has been reported to hamper the derivatization reaction with a chromophore at the anomeric centre. In this paper N-acetyllactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine and several other neutral monosaccharides are coupled to three different dyes (4-aminobenzonitrile, 2-aminopyridine, 2-aminobenzoic acid (2-AA)) by reductive amination and analysed by CE with UV detection. The 2-AA derivatives showed the lowest concentration detection limits, varying approximately in the 2-3 muM range for the saccharides tested including the N-acetamido ones. The possibility to separate and detect with the same sensitivity ten 2-AA-labelled monosaccharides mainly found in mammalian or plant glycoproteins in a single CE run is highlighted. The analysis has been carried out in less than 25 min using the borate-complexation method in CZE mode. The influence of the strength of the acid used as catalyst in the chemical modification of the sugars with 2-AA is also shortly addressed.

A novel vanadyl complex with a polypyridyl DNA intercalator as ligand: A potential anti-protozoa and anti-tumor agent

In the search for new metal-based drugs for the treatment of tumoral and parasitic diseases a vanadyl complex, [V(IV)O(SO(4))(H2O)(2)(dppz)].2H(2)O, that includes the bidentate polypyridyl DNA intercalator dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz), was synthesized, characterized by a combination of techniques, and in vitro evaluated on the human acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 and against Dm28c strain epimastigotes of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, causative agent of Chagas' disease. EPR spectroscopy suggests a distorted octahedral geometry for the complex with the dppz ligand acting as bidentate, binding through both nitrogen donor atoms in an axial-equatorial mode. An oxo group, two water molecules and a sulphate donor occupy the remainder coordination positions. The complex, as well as the anti-trypanosomal reference drug Nifurtimox, showed IC(50) values in the muM range against T. cruzi Dm28c strain. In addition the complex exhibited excellent in vitro anti-tumor activity against leukemia (HL-60 cell line) comparable to that of cisplatin, inducing cell death by apoptosis with IC(50) values in the micromolar range. Data from gel electrophoresis and atomic force microscopy indicate that the complex interacts with DNA, suggesting that its mechanism of action may include DNA as a target. EPR and (51)V NMR experiments were also carried out with aged aerated solutions of the complex to get insight into the stability of the complex in solution and the species responsible for the in vitro activities observed.

Calibration-Free Measurement of Liquid Permittivity and Conductivity Using Electrochemical Impedance Test Cell With Servomechanically Adjustable Cell Constant

This paper presents a technique and a device for measuring the permittivity and conductivity of liquids and gases that does not require prior calibration by a reference sample. The technique involves precisely controlling the separation between two closely spaced spherical electrodes to make electrical impedance measurements of the sample media as a function of electrode separation. By leveraging the geometrical accuracy of the spheres and precise control of the electrode separation, the permittivity and conductivity of the sample can be extracted using a simple geometrical model of the electrode. Calibration using a reference sample is replaced by mechanical calibration of the sphere diameter and separation control mechanism, which can be engineered simply and accurately using standard components and processes. The electrode separation is adjusted using a flexure stage and a servomechanical actuator, which enables control of the electrode separation with 0.25 nm resolution with a 50 mum range. Permittivity and conductivity measurements within 1% of established values have been demonstrated.

Formation of carbonated apatite particles from a supersaturated inorganic blood serum model

Pathological calcification is common among for instance dialysis patients, and this causes an increase in mortality risk. An elevated serum phosphate concentration among those patients strongly correlates to this increase. In this work investigations of the conditions, composition, crystallinity and morphology of in vitro calcification are performed and related to results from in vivo studies. The study was performed under conditions mimicking physiological ones, i.e. a pH around 7.40, a temperature of 37 degrees C, an ionic strength of 150 mM and ion concentrations close to those in human serum including the effects of elevated phosphate concentrations. The course of precipitation involves an initial precipitate that subsequently re-dissolves to give another precipitate, in accordance with the well-known Ostwald ripening theory. The final bulk precipitate consists of a macroscopically amorphous carbonated apatite. The amorphous apatite is formed from assemblies of spherical particles in the mum range, in turn composed of nano-crystalline needles of about 10 x 100 nm. Even the initially formed precipitate, as well as a small amount of precipitate that occurs on the liquid surface, consist of a carbonated calcium phosphate. The in vitro observed carbonated apatite bears strong resemblance to in vivo cardiovascular calcification known from literature.

Chemical and Structural Properties of Carbonaceous Products Obtained by Hydrothermal Carbonization of Saccharides

Carbon-rich-quick scheme: A carbon-rich solid product made up of uniform micrometer-sized spheres of tunable diameter has been synthesized by the hydrothermal carbonization of saccharides. These microspheres possess a core-shell chemical structure based on the different nature of the oxygen functionalities between the core and the outer layer (see figure).A carbon-rich solid product, here denoted as hydrochar, has been synthesized by the hydrothermal carbonization of three different saccharides (glucose, sucrose, and starch) at temperatures ranging from 170 to 240 degrees C. This material is made up of uniform spherical micrometer-sized particles that have a diameter in the 0.4-6 mum range, which can be modulated by modifying the synthesis conditions (i.e., the concentration of the aqueous saccharide solution, the temperature of the hydrothermal treatment, the reaction time, and type of saccharide). The formation of the carbon-rich solid through the hydrothermal carbonization of saccharides is the consequence of dehydration, condensation, or polymerization and aromatization reactions. The microspheres thus obtained possess, from a chemical point of view, a core-shell structure consisting of a highly aromatic nucleus (hydrophobic) and a hydrophilic shell containing a high concentration of reactive oxygen functional groups (i.e., hydroxyl/phenolic, carbonyl, or carboxylic).

Kinetic and mechanistic characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis glutamyl–tRNA synthetase and determination of its oligomeric structure in solution

Mycobacterium tuberculosis glutamyl-tRNA synthetase (Mt-GluRS), encoded by Rv2992c, was overproduced in Escherichia coli cells, and purified to homogeneity. It was found to be similar to the other well-characterized GluRS, especially the E. coli enzyme, with respect to the requirement for bound tRNA(Glu) to produce the glutamyl-AMP intermediate, and the steady-state kinetic parameters k(cat) (130 min(-1)) and K(M) for tRNA (0.7 microm) and ATP (78 microm), but to differ by a one order of magnitude higher K(M) value for L-Glu (2.7 mm). At variance with the E. coli enzyme, among the several compounds tested as inhibitors, only pyrophosphate and the glutamyl-AMP analog glutamol-AMP were effective, with K(i) values in the mum range. The observed inhibition patterns are consistent with a random binding of ATP and L-Glu to the enzyme-tRNA complex. Mt-GluRS, which is predicted by genome analysis to be of the non-discriminating type, was not toxic when overproduced in E. coli cells indicating that it does not catalyse the mischarging of E. coli tRNA(Gln) with L-Glu and that GluRS/tRNA(Gln) recognition is species specific. Mt-GluRS was significantly more sensitive than the E. coli form to tryptic and chymotryptic limited proteolysis. For both enzymes chymotrypsin-sensitive sites were found in the predicted tRNA stem contact domain next to the ATP binding site. Mt-GluRS, but not Ec-GluRS, was fully protected from proteolysis by ATP and glutamol-AMP. Small-angle X-ray scattering showed that, at variance with the E. coli enzyme that is strictly monomeric, the Mt-GluRS monomer is present in solution in equilibrium with the homodimer. The monomer prevails at low protein concentrations and is stabilized by ATP but not by glutamol-AMP. Inspection of small-angle X-ray scattering-based models of Mt-GluRS reveals that both the monomer and the dimer are catalytically active. By using affinity chromatography and His(6)-tagged forms of either GluRS or glutamyl-tRNA reductase as the bait it was shown that the M. tuberculosis proteins can form a complex, which may control the flux of Glu-tRNA(Glu) toward protein or tetrapyrrole biosynthesis.

Localization of Active Pathways in Peripheral Nerves: A Simulation Study

A methodology is investigated for determining the location of active pathways in a peripheral nerve using measurements from a multicontact cuff electrode. The problem is treated as an inverse problem of source localization and solved using the sLORETA algorithm, developed for the electroencephalogram/magnetoencephalogram source localization problem. Simulated measurements are generated corresponding to action potentials traveling along either one or three pathways in a rat sciatic nerve. The performance of the proposed methodology using these measurements is evaluated in terms of localization error, missed pathways, and spurious pathways. The source localization performance when assuming an idealized nerve anatomy is compared to that when the correct anatomy is known. The effect of a spatio-temporal constraint based on the nerve anatomy and electrophysiology is also investigated. The approach in its present form was not found to be sufficiently reliable for subfascicular localization in practice, due to mean localization errors in the 140-180 mum range, high numbers of spurious pathways, and low resolution. Nonetheless, the constraints were shown to produce a marked reduction in the number of spurious pathways. Conditions under which the source localization approach may be useful for peripheral nerves are discussed.

Design and Continuous-Wave Room-Temperature Performance of Ga(AlInAs)Sb DFB Lasers at 2.8 $\mu$m

We have fabricated continuous-wave GaInAsSb-AlGaAsSb distributed-feedback (DFB) lasers in the 2.8- mum range, using a DFB concept requiring no subsequent overgrowth steps, by defining first-order Cr-Bragg gratings laterally to a ridge waveguide. We have simulated the confinement factor GammaCr of the optical mode and the Cr-grating for various ridge widths and investigated the effect on laser properties and single-mode yield in order to optimize DFB lasers in this wavelength region. In terms of low threshold current and high output power, we found an optimum ridge width around 7 mum. These lasers show the smallest average threshold current around 33 mA and a high average output power around 7 mW per facet.

Modeling a Broadband Bismuth-Doped Fiber Amplifier

In this paper, we present the energy level, transition configuration, and numerical model of a bismuth-doped fiber amplifier for the first time, to the best of authorspsila knowledge. With a three-level system, the rate and power propagation equations of the model are solved to examine the effect of the fiber parameter and pump power on the bandwidth of the gain spectra. It can be predicted that when excited at wavelength in the 800-900 nm range, the amplifier can have a ultrabroad gain spectra in the 1.2-1.62 mum range, which cover the low-loss windows of the all-wave fiber.

Polarimetric interferometer for nanoscale positioning applications

We propose and demonstrate a displacement control method at the subnanometric scale based on a Michelson interferometer combined with a polarimeter and a phase-locked loop electronic board. Step by step displacements with a step value of 5 nm are presented. A repeatability of 0.47 nm is obtained from back and forth displacements over 1 mum range. We show that a residual ellipticity of less than 10 degrees on the polarization state leads to a positioning error of less than 1 nm. Such system could be used over millimeter range displacements in a controlled surrounding environment leading to numerous applications in nanometrology.

Postdeposition Dispersion of Aerosol Medications Using Surfactant Carriers

Inhaled aerosol drugs provide a means of directly treating the lungs; however, aerosol deposition and drug distribution can be nonuniform, especially in obstructive lung disease. We hypothesize that surfactant-based aerosol carriers will disperse medications over airway surfaces after deposition through surface tension driven flows, increasing dose uniformity and improving drug distribution into underventilated regions. We considered saline and surfactant aerosol delivery via cannula onto several model airway surfaces including porcine gastric mucus (PGM) and both cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEs). Fluorescent dye and microspheres (d = 100 nm, 1 mum) were used to qualitatively and quantitatively assess postdeposition dispersion. Aerosol volume median diameters were in the 1-4 mum range. The tested surfactants included sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), tyloxapol, and calfactant. All surfactants tested on PGM (tyloxapol, calfactant, SDS, and CTAB) significantly increased dispersion area versus saline with all markers (2-20-fold increases; all p < 0.04). Both surfactants tested on CF HBEs (tyloxapol and calfactant) significantly increased dispersion area versus saline with all markers (1.6-4.1-fold increases; all p </= 0.02). Tyloxapol and calfactant were tested versus saline on non-CF HBE's as well. Calfactant significantly increased dispersion area with all markers (1.6-2.3-fold increases; all p </= 0.02), and tyloxapol significantly increased dispersion area with two of three markers (1.3, 1.9-fold increases; p = 0.03, 0.003). Surfactant carriers enhanced dispersion after aerosol deposition onto model airway surfaces, and may improve the efficacy of inhaled preparations such as inhaled antibiotics for cystic fibrosis.