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Dry powder inhaler device influence on carrier particle performance
Martin J Donovan1, Sin Hyen Kim, Venkatramanan Raman
1Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA. mjdonovan@utexas.edu
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|November 19, 2011
Summary
Carrier particle properties significantly impact dry powder inhaler (DPI) performance. Larger carrier particles improve drug detachment in some DPIs by increasing collisions, optimizing aerosolization.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) utilize distinct device geometries and drug detachment mechanisms (aerodynamic or mechanical).
- The influence of carrier particle properties on DPI performance across different dispersion mechanisms is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of carrier particle size and shape on the performance of two commercial DPIs with different dispersion mechanisms.
- To assess how carrier particle physical properties affect drug detachment and aerosolization.
Main Methods:
- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was used to simulate carrier particle trajectories in the Aerolizer® and Handihaler®.
- In vitro aerosol performance was evaluated using cascade impaction studies with budesonide and lactose blends.
- Simulations considered spherical monodisperse carrier particles of varying sizes (32 μm, 108 μm, 275 μm).
Main Results:
- CFD simulations showed increased carrier particle-inhaler collisions with larger particle sizes in the Aerolizer® (2.3-4.0), correlating with improved in vitro performance.
- In the Handihaler®, collisions were less frequent and showed less dependence on carrier particle size.
- Carrier particle aerodynamic behavior varied significantly based on physical properties and the specific DPI device.
Conclusions:
- Carrier particle physical properties, particularly size, play a crucial role in DPI performance.
- The interaction between carrier particles and device geometry dictates the effectiveness of drug dispersion.
- Understanding these interactions is key to optimizing DPI formulation and device design for improved drug delivery.
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