Nasal Fluid Dynamics Visualization Using Particle Image Velocimetry in a 3D-Printed Nasal Replica Model

The effectiveness evaluation of nasal drug delivery is heavily dependent on the airflow pattern visualization within the nasal cavity. While traditional methods such as dye filament visualization and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations have provided considerable predictions of flow and particle transport within the nasal cavities, however, they lack detailed 3D-flow pattern measurements and face challenges in reliable experimental verification. To fill this research gap, this study develops an innovative experimental platform that combines Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) with a 3D-printed silicon-based nasal replica model. This non-invasive and real-time approach allows for direct and high-quality measurements of nasal cavity airflow dynamics, offering a promising solution for nasal airflow predictions and providing practical insights for the future development of drug delivery technologies via the nasal cavity route.