The pseudo-binary pulmonary surfactant system

Since the existence of amphiphilic molecules in the alveolar liquid has been unraveled, research aimed to clarify the process of breathing continuously grows and narrows the gap between in vivo and in vitro. Within the last 5 years progress has been made in understanding the structure–function relationship of pulmonary surfactant questioning classical models. Phase behavior, dynamical and thermodynamical aspects will be the focus of this review.