What side effect do natural surfactants have that artificial surfactants do not?

Natural surfactants are derived from biological sources, typically animal lungs, which means they contain not only the surfactant proteins but also other components such as lipids and inflammatory mediators. This can lead to a higher risk of an immune response when administered to patients, especially in those with a sensitive immune system or in premature infants, who may have an underdeveloped immune response.

In contrast, artificial surfactants are typically synthesized to minimize these biological components that can provoke an immune reaction, thus reducing the risk of such responses. Consequently, while both types of surfactants are used to treat conditions like neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, the presence of natural proteins in natural surfactants can trigger immune responses that artificial surfactants are designed to avoid. This aspect is crucial for clinicians to consider when choosing a surfactant for therapy, as it may influence the overall safety profile and efficacy for the specific clinical scenario.