Dynamics of aerosol generation and release – Dry powder inhaler performance considerations

Abstract The main objective of the work was to investigate how the dynamics of inhalation affect aerosol release process in real-time, with an unsteady airflow through passive dry powder inhalers (DPIs) of comparable airflow resistance, but different principle of powder release. It consists of two complementary studies, concerning dynamics of controlled aerosol release (emission kinetics) and dynamics of aerosol generation (aerosol size characteristics in time series).Aerosol behavior of the powder was studied experimentally at the outlet of the inhalers: RS01 inhaler (Plastiape Spa, Osnago LC, Lombardy, Italy) and Turbospin (Ph&T, Milano, Lombardy, Italy). Two breathing profiles were analyzed throughout the study. Timing of aerosol emission was done by light scattering. Aerosol characterization was done by laser diffraction. It resulted in time evolution of volume concentration and volumetric particle size distribution.Both the design of the passive DPI inhaler and the dynamics of the inhalation (along with its intensification) influence the course of the aerosol generation and emission. The process of aerosol emission occurs only in the initial part of the inhalation process, before the peak inspiratory flow rate is established. This part is strongly responsible for the quality of the aerosol emitted from the device and consequently will potentially influence the drug delivery.