Researchers from the University of Tours (INSERM U618) in France are using a Spraytec laser diffraction particle size analyzer from Malvern Panalytical to study nebuliser performance in real time. By understanding how aerosol concentration and droplet size vary during an inhalation cycle, the group expects to be able to develop new devices with better drug delivery characteristics.
Using a Spraytec system, the research team conducted an experimental study of commercially available standard jet, breath-enhanced jet and mesh nebulisers. The results revealed that aerosol concentration varies significantly during the breathing cycle; droplet size also varies, but to a lesser extent. Device design has a marked influence on performance. The data are proving valuable in developing systems that maximise the amount of drug delivered that is of the ideal particle size for deposition at a specified site, and have been used to validate a new model of nebuliser performance.
The research group works with laboratories and hospitals to develop new delivery devices and also offers an evaluation service for those bringing new inhalation products to market. "Spraytec is one of the core analytical systems underpinning the group's capabilities," says Dr Laurent Vecellio, researcher at the University of Tours. "With a data acquisition rate in excess of 2.5 KHz and the ability to simultaneously measure particle size and concentration, Spraytec is suitable for the real-time characterization of all inhaled products, delivering insight that is not accessible using conventional analytical techniques."
The group is applying the system's unique capabilities to the real-time characterization of all inhaled products, enabling the development of new products with superior drug delivery characteristics.