Molecular Dynamics Simulation Design for Lung Surfactant Monolayer

Program: B.Sc

Semester: fourth

Session: 2018-2019

Pages:

Publication:

Published On: 09 February 2024

Lung surfactant monolayers, composed of a complex mixture of lipids, proteins, water, and ions, are essential for maintaining the stability and functionality of the alveolar surface in the lungs. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations offer a powerful tool to investigate the behavior of these monolayers at the atomic level. In this study, we present a comprehensive MD simulation design aimed at creating bimonolayer systems with water and ions to mimic the physiological environment of lung surfactant monolayers. We employ the `insane.py` script with specific lipid compositions and system dimensions to generate an initial configuration of the bimonolayer. The system is equilibrated using a cubic periodic boundary condition and centered to ensure stability and uniformity. Subsequently, we perform MD simulations to study the structural organization and dynamic behavior of the bimonolayer system. Specialized force fields and parameters accurately represent the interactions between lipid molecules, water, ions, and the surrounding environment. We investigate the distribution of water and ions within the monolayer, focusing on the hydration layers around lipid headgroups and the penetration of ions into the interfacial region. Through rigorous analysis techniques, including radial distribution functions and hydrogen bonding analyses, we elucidate the mechanisms underlying hydration-induced structural changes in lung surfactant monolayers. Furthermore, we implement the `gmx density` command to calculate the density profile of the bimonolayer system. By analyzing the density distribution along the z-axis, we quantify the spatial arrangement of lipid molecules, water, and ions within the monolayer. The density profile provides valuable insights into the packing density and organization of molecules at the air-water interface, complementing our understanding of the structural and dynamic properties of lung surfactant monolayers. To validate the accuracy and reliability of our simulation results, we compare the calculated density profile with experimental data and theoretical models. The agreement between simulation and experiment enhances confidence in the predictive capabilities of MD simulations for studying complex biological interfaces.

Overall, our study demonstrates the utility of MD simulations in elucidating the structural and dynamic properties of lung surfactant monolayers in the presence of water and ions. The insights gained from these simulations contribute to a deeper understanding of pulmonary physiology and pathology, with implications for the development of improved therapeutic strategies for respiratory diseases. By integrating advanced simulation techniques with experimental data analysis, we pave the way for further advancements in the field of lung surfactant research.