A Southwest Research Institute project is developing techniques to improve inhalers for young children and people who cannot inhale deeply, according to an Aug. 11 announcement. The multidisciplinary team aims to create a more effective inhaler for those unable to take the strong, deep breath required for maximum benefit from standard devices.
The effort combines computational fluid dynamics, particle science, and pharmaceutical science in pursuit of better designs. The internally funded project involves collaboration between SwRI's Mechanical Engineering, Powertrain Engineering, and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering divisions.
To address challenges faced by users with weak inhalation abilities, SwRI is designing new inhalers that reduce medicine deposition in the mouth and throat while increasing lung penetration of medicinal particles. These designs are intended to allow even a young child or very sick person to draw sufficient medication into their lungs.
Tajik led the computational modeling work simulating airflow through a child's airway and tracking how particles from an inhaler deliver medication throughout the respiratory system. Dr. Imad Khalek, Institute Engineer at SwRI’s Particle Science and Technology facility within the Powertrain Engineering Division, oversaw experiments using a breathing simulator connected to a 3D-printed model of a child's airway. "We tested both dry and wet surface versions of the airway to mimic real, moist human airways," Khalek said. "This helped us to see that moisture changes how deeply inhaled particles penetrate."
Staff in SwRI's Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division provided expertise on particle properties used in dry powder inhalers—specifically regarding carrier particles versus smaller drug particles—and their impact on dosage delivery effectiveness. "The variability with inhalers can be significant and potentially dangerous: overdosing can lead to adverse effects while underdosing can make treatments ineffective," said Dr. James Oxley, Institute Scientist leading chemical engineering aspects of the project. "An improved design could deliver potentially more potent drugs that currently aren't suitable for inhalers because of that variability."
