Researchers from the University of Tours in France are using a Spraytec laser diffraction particle size analyser from UK-based Malvern Instruments 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.
The research team studied commercially available standard jet, breath-enhanced jet and mesh nebulisers using the Spraytec analyser. The results revealed that aerosol concentration varies significantly during the breathing cycle; droplet size also varies, but to a lesser extent. In addition, device design has a marked influence on performance. The results 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 Laurent Vecellio, researcher at the University of Tours. "With a data acquisition rate in excess of 2.5KHz and the ability simultaneously to measure particle size and concentration, Spraytec is suitable for the real-time characterisation of all inhaled products, delivering insight that is not accessible using conventional analytical techniques."