title: Optimization of a DPI Inhaler: A Computational Approach.
abstract: Alternate geometries of a commercial dry powder inhaler (DPI, i.e., Turbuhaler; AstraZeneca, London, UK) are proposed based on the simulation results obtained from a fluid and particle dynamic computational model, previously developed by Milenkovic et al. The alternate DPI geometries are constructed by simple alterations to components of the commercial inhaler device leading to smoother flow patterns in regions where significant particle-wall collisions occur. The modified DPIs are investigated under the same conditions of the original studies of Milenkovic et al. for a wide range of inhalation flow rates (i.e., 30-70 L/min). Based on the computational results in terms of total particle deposition and fine particle fraction, the modified DPIs were improved over the original design of the commercial device.
authors.affiliation: Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Jovana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Milenkovic
authors.affiliation: Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Aleck H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Alexopoulos
authors.affiliation: Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. Electronic address: costas.kiparissides@cperi.certh.gr.
authors.forename: Costas
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kiparissides
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D058995:Dry Powder Inhalers / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards*; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards*; D010316:Particle Size; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards*
keywords: dispersion; mathematical model; microparticles; oral drug delivery; particle size; powder technology; simulations