Biophysical mimicry of lung surfactant protein B by random nylon-3 copolymers

An alternative approach to imitation of lung surfactant proteins B and C (SP-B and SP-C), two helical and amphiphilic proteins that are critical for normal respiration, based on sequence-random copolymers containing cationic and lipophilic subunits is described. The study provides evidence for the sequence-random copolymers that could mimic the in vitro surface-active behavior of lung surfactant proteins in a mixed lipid film and their useful application for developing a lung surfactant replacement.