Investigating the Effects of Vitamin E Acetate on the Structure of Exogenous Pulmonary Surfactants by Neutron Reflectometry

The usage of electronic-cigarettes and vapes has lead to a huge wave of people being diagnose with a respiratory distress illness known as e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI). Data has shown that a compound known as vitamin E acetate has been found in fluid extracted from the lungs of these patients. This compound is used as a diluent in many cannabis-related vaping products. It is hypothesized that this compound interacts with the pulmonary surfactant (PS) in the human lungs and compromises the biophysical properties therefore affecting the breathing process of those affected. Through investigating various structural characteristics of PS with and without the toxin using neutron reflectometry, it will bring us one step close to solving the mystery behind the mechanism of EVALI and how exactly the lungs of those affected are compromised.