Neutron Reflection for the Air-Water Interface Structure of Binary Protein/ ranched-terpenoid Surfactant System

Neutron reflection stands as a powerful technique for scrutinizing the microscopic structure of the air/water interface. This neutron reflection experiment aims to discern the co-adsorption behaviours of amino acid surfactants with branched hydrophobic chains and model protein at the air/water interface. By elucidating the relative content and positioning of both components in the interfacial layer, we aim to clarify the unique role of surfactant branched hydrophobic chains in the formation of protein-surfactant binary interface membranes. This elucidation will contribute to understanding the specific role of branched hydrophobic chains in preventing protein aggregation at the air/water interface, which is crucial in the drug-protein inactivation process in inhalation therapy. We request 4 days of neutron reflectometry beamtime on SURF to execute the proposed measurements. Chain-deuterated surfactants will be utilized to enhance sensitivity and resolution, which are indispensable for unravelling the structural intricacies in multicomponent surface systems.