Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Results in Concentration-Dependent Sedimentation of Survanta and Improvement of Its Function

Abstract 1882 Poster Session IV, Tuesday, 5/4 (poster 338)

We have noted that PEG and other polymers improve Survanta's function in vitro and in vivo, especially in the presence of inactivating substances. Addition of PEG to Survanta also results in a macroscopic separation into two phases. To determine if this separation is a concentration-dependent effect of PEG, and if the degree of separation correlates with improvement of surfactant function in vitro, we mixed various concentrations of Survanta and PEG and examined them within 10 minutes in a modified pulsating bubble surfactometer (PBS). Phases of Survanta + PEG suspensions were then allowed to separate at 37°C for 2-24 hrs, and the volumes of the resulting yellow-white and clear phases were measured. Results indicate a PEG concentration-dependent separation. The degree of separation correlates with improvement of Survanta function, as indicated by lower minimum and maximum surface tensions, faster initial adsorption, and less area reduction needed to reach a surface tension of 10 mN/m (A₁₀) during bubble pulsation. The improvement is statistically significant, with p values of less than 0.05 for all outcome measures at PEG concentrations of 5% and 10%. (Table)

Table 1 No caption available

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