Investigation and optimization of aerosol generation techniques applicable in inhalation therapy

Aim of project
Theoretical and experimental analysis of technical issues related to generation and emission of aerosols from dry powder inhalers (DPI), and to the deposition of inhaled particles in the upper airways of the human. Investigations of possibilities of improvement in powder resuspension due to airflow/ aerosol stream destabilization, e.g., by provoked turbulence or flow fluctuations. Experimental studies on influence of airflow dynamics (different shape of inspiratory curve) in powder resuspension chambers on emission efficiency, aerosol particle size distribution and regional deposition efficiencies in the models of airways (anatomical casts). CFD simulations of airflow for the selected geometries of powder aerosolization chambers should lead to determination of the preferred designs, which assure high efficiencies of aerosol generation at reasonably low aerodynamic resistance. Evaluation of the possibility of biosurfactants application (mainly pulmonary surfactant constituents) for modification of morphology and surface properties of powder particles, which will lead to improvement of the aerosolization process.

Expected results
New quantitative data on influence of flow destabilization in inhaler chambers on quality of emitted aerosol and aerodynamic resistance; determination of influence of inhalation dynamics on deposition distribution in the upper airways; new optimized geometric designs of resuspension chambers for medicinal powders; evaluation of aerosolization improvement by modification of drug powder morphology and surface properties.