In Vivo Deposition of High-Flow Nasal Aerosols Using Breath-Enhanced Nebulization

Aerosol delivery using conventional nebulizers with fixed maximal output rates is limited and unpredictable under high-flow conditions. This study measured regulated aerosol delivery to the lungs of normal volunteers using a nebulizer designed to overcome the limitations of HFNC therapy (i-AIRE (InspiRx, Inc., Somerset, NJ, USA)). This breath-enhanced jet nebulizer, in series with the high-flow catheter, utilizes the high flow to increase aerosol output beyond those of conventional devices. Nine normal subjects breathing tidally via the nose received humidified air at 60 L/min. The nebulizer was connected to the HFNC system upstream to the humidifier and received radio-labeled saline as a marker for drug delivery (99mTc DTPA) infused by a syringe pump (mCi/min). The dose to the subject was regulated at 12, 20 and 50 mL/h. Rates of aerosol deposition in the lungs (µCi/min) were measured via a gamma camera for each infusion rate and converted to µg NaCl/min. The deposition rate, as expressed as µg of NaCl/min, was closely related to the infusion rate: 7.84 ± 3.2 at 12 mL/h, 43.0 ± 12 at 20 mL/h and 136 ± 45 at 50 mL/h. The deposition efficiency ranged from 0.44 to 1.82% of infused saline, with 6% deposited in the nose. A regional analysis indicated peripheral deposition of aerosol (central/peripheral ratio 0.99 ± 0.27). The data were independent of breathing frequency. Breath-enhanced nebulization via HFNC reliably delivered aerosol to the lungs at the highest nasal airflows. The rate of delivery was controlled simply by regulating the infusion rate, indicating that lung deposition in the critically ill can be titrated clinically at the bedside.

Dust storms increase the tolerance of phytoplankton to thermal and pH changes

Aquatic communities are increasingly subjected to multiple stressors through global change, including warming, pH shifts, and elevated nutrient concentrations. These stressors often surpass species tolerance range, leading to unpredictable consequences for aquatic communities and ecosystem functioning. Phytoplankton, as the foundation of the aquatic food web, play a crucial role in controlling water quality and the transfer of nutrients and energy to higher trophic levels. Despite the significance in understanding the effect of multiple stressors, further research is required to explore the combined impact of multiple stressors on phytoplankton. In this study, we used a combination of crossed experiment and mechanistic model to analyze the ecological and biogeochemical effects of global change on aquatic ecosystems and to forecast phytoplankton dynamics. We examined the effect of dust (0-75 mg L-1 ), temperature (19-27°C), and pH (6.3-7.3) on the growth rate of the algal species Scenedesmus obliquus. Furthermore, we carried out a geospatial analysis to identify regions of the planet where aquatic systems could be most affected by atmospheric dust deposition. Our mechanistic model and our empirical data show that dust exerts a positive effect on phytoplankton growth rate, broadening its thermal and pH tolerance range. Finally, our geospatial analysis identifies several high-risk areas including the highlands of the Tibetan Plateau, western United States, South America, central and southern Africa, central Australia as well as the Mediterranean region where dust-induced changes are expected to have the greatest impacts. Overall, our study shows that increasing dust storms associated with a more arid climate and land degradation can reverse the negative effects of high temperatures and low pH on phytoplankton growth, affecting the biogeochemistry of aquatic ecosystems and their role in the cycles of the elements and tolerance to global change.

Refinement of the acute inhalation limit test for inert, nano-sized dusts by an in silico dosimetry-based evaluation: case study for the dissolution of a regulatory dilemma

This case study aims to describe the dilemma faced when exposing rats to very high concentrations of fine, pulverulent materials for acute inhalation studies and to address the regulatory question of whether the effects seen here are relevant to humans and the subject of classification according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Many powders match the definition of nanomaterials in the EU; therefore, information on acute inhalation testing of powders up to the GHS cutoff of 5 mg/L is required. However, testing rats at such a high aerosol concentration can cause physical obstruction of the airways and even mortality by suffocation. Therefore, to evaluate whether the physical effects on airway obstruction in rats exposed to 5 mg/L for 4 hours and alternative exposures to 1 and 2 mg/L are relevant for humans, an in silico evaluation of aerosol deposition was conducted using the multiple-path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model. For this evaluation, actual exposure conditions for an organic, nano-sized pigment which produced 100% lethality in rats at 5 mg/L, but not at 1 mg/L, were used to assess the potential for airway obstruction in rats and accordingly in humans. As an indicator of the potential for airway obstruction, the ratio of the diameter of the deposited, aggregated aerosol to airway diameter was calculated for each exposure condition. For rats exposed to 5 mg/L for 4 h, approximately 75% of tracheobronchial and 22% of pulmonary/alveolar airways were considered vulnerable to significant or complete obstruction (ratios >0.5). In humans, an equivalent exposure resulted in just over 96% of human tracheobronchial airways that received deposited mass to airway diameter ratios between 0.3 and 0.4 (nasal) or 0.4 and 0.5 (oral), with no airways with ratios >0.5. For the pulmonary/alveolar region, ∼88% of the airways following nasal or oral breathing were predicted to have deposited aerosol diameter to airway diameter ratios <0.1, with no airways with ratios >0.5. Thus, the in silico results obtained for rats are in line with the pathological findings of the animal test. The predicted results in humans, however, affirm the hypothesis of a rat-specific high dose effect which does not justify a classification according to GHS.

Giant Energy Density via Mechanically Tailored Relaxor Ferroelectric Behavior of PZT Thick Film

Relaxor ferroelectrics (RFEs) are being actively investigated for energy-storage applications due to their large electric-field-induced polarization with slim hysteresis and fast energy charging-discharging capability. Here, a novel nanograin engineering approach based upon high kinetic energy deposition is reported, for mechanically inducing the RFE behavior in a normal ferroelectric Pb(Zr0.52 Ti0.48 )O3 (PZT), which results in simultaneous enhancement in the dielectric breakdown strength (EDBS ) and polarization. Mechanically transformed relaxor thick films with 4 µm thickness exhibit an exceptional EDBS of 540 MV m-1 and reduced hysteresis with large unsaturated polarization (103.6 µC cm-2 ), resulting in a record high energy-storage density of 124.1 J cm-3 and a power density of 64.5 MW cm-3 . This fundamental advancement is correlated with the generalized nanostructure design that comprises nanocrystalline phases embedded within the amorphous matrix. Microstructure-tailored ferroelectric behavior overcomes the limitations imposed by traditional compositional design methods and provides a feasible pathway for realization of high-performance energy-storage materials.

The Use of an Inspiration-Synchronized Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer for Prolonged Inhalative Iloprost Administration in Mechanically Ventilated Patients-An In Vitro Model

Mechanically ventilated patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) frequently receive aerosolized iloprost. Because of prostacyclin's short half-life, prolonged inhalative administration might improve its clinical efficacy. But, this is technically challenging. A solution might be the use of inspiration-synchronized vibrating mesh nebulizers (VMNsyn), which achieve high drug deposition rates while showing prolonged nebulization times. However, there are no data comparing prolonged to bolus iloprost nebulization using a continuous vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMNcont) and investigating the effects of different ventilation modes on inspiration-synchronized nebulization. Therefore, in an in vitro model of mechanically ventilated adults, a VMNsyn and a VMNcont were compared in volume-controlled (VC-CMV) and pressure-controlled continuous mandatory ventilation (PC-CMV) regarding iloprost deposition rate and nebulization time. During VC-CMV, the deposition rate of the VMNsyn was comparable to the rate obtained with the VMNcont, but 10.9% lower during PC-CMV. The aerosol output of the VMNsyn during both ventilation modes was significantly lower compared to the VMNcont, leading to a 7.5 times longer nebulization time during VC-CMV and only to a 4.2 times longer nebulization time during PC-CMV. Inspiration-synchronized nebulization during VC-CMV mode therefore seems to be the most suitable for prolonged inhalative iloprost administration in mechanically ventilated patients.

Measuring Anatomical Distributions of Ventilation and Aerosol Deposition with PET-CT

In disease, lung function and structure are heterogeneous, and aerosol transport and local deposition vary significantly among parts of the lung. Understanding such heterogeneity is relevant to aerosol medicine and for quantifying mucociliary clearance from different parts of the lung. In this chapter, we describe positron emission tomography (PET) imaging methods to quantitatively assess the deposition of aerosol and ventilation distribution within the lung. The anatomical information from computed tomography (CT) combined with the PET-deposition data allows estimates of airway surface concentration and peripheral tissue dosing in bronchoconstricted asthmatic subjects. A theoretical framework is formulated to quantify the effects of heterogeneous ventilation, uneven aerosol ventilation distribution in bifurcations, and varying escape from individual airways along a path of the airway tree. The framework is applied to imaging data from bronchoconstricted asthmatics to assess the contributions of these factors to the unevenness in lobar deposition. Results from this analysis show that the heterogeneity of ventilation contributes on average to more than one-third of the variability in interlobar deposition. Actual contribution of ventilation in individual lungs was variable and dependent on the breathing rate used by the subject during aerosol inhalation; the highest contribution was in patients breathing slowly. In subjects breathing faster, contribution of ventilation was reduced, with more expanded lobes showing lower deposition per unit ventilation than less expanded ones in these subjects. The lobar change in expansion measured from two static CT scans, which is commonly used as a surrogate for ventilation, did not correlate with aerosol deposition or with PET-measured ventilation. This suggests that dynamic information is needed to provide proper estimates of ventilation for asthmatic subjects. We hope that the enhanced understanding of the causes of heterogeneity in airway and tissue dosing using the tools presented here will help to optimize therapeutic effectiveness of inhalation therapy while minimizing toxicity.

Intense Pulsed Light Thermal Treatment of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 /Metglas Heterostructured Films Resulting in Extreme Magnetoelectric Coupling of over 20 V cm-1 Oe-1

Magnetoelectric (ME) film composites consisting of piezoelectric and magnetostrictive materials are promising candidates for application in magnetic field sensors, energy harvesters, and ME antennas. Conventionally, high-temperature annealing is required to crystallize piezoelectric films, restricting the use of heat-sensitive magnetostrictive substrates that enhance ME coupling. Herein, a synergetic approach is demonstrated for fabricating ME film composites that combines aerosol deposition and instantaneous thermal treatment based on intense pulsed light (IPL) radiation to form piezoelectric Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) thick films on an amorphous Metglas substrate. IPL rapidly anneals PZT films within a few milliseconds without damaging the underlying Metglas. To optimize the IPL irradiation conditions, the temperature distribution inside the PZT/Metglas film is determined using transient photothermal computational simulation. The PZT/Metglas films are annealed using different IPL pulse durations to determine the structure-property relationship. IPL treatment results in an enhanced crystallinity of the PZT, thus improving the dielectric, piezoelectric, and ME properties of the composite films. An ultrahigh off-resonance ME coupling (≈20 V cm-1  Oe-1 ) is obtained for the PZT/Metglas film that is IPL annealed at a pulse width of 0.75 ms (an order of magnitude higher than that reported for other ME films), confirming the potential for next-generation, miniaturized, and high-performance ME devices.

Effect of Age and Head Position on Total and Regional Aerosol Deposition in Three-Dimensional Models of Human Intranasal Airways Using a Mucosal Atomization Device

Background: This study examined the effect of age and head position on total and regional deposition of aerosol delivered by a mucosal atomization device (MAD™) in three-dimensional (3D) models of the intranasal airways of an 18-, 5-, and 2-year-old human. Models consisted of four pieces: anterior nose and nasal cavity that was divided horizontally into upper, middle, and lower thirds. Methods: Models were tested six times at supine, supine with head backward at 45° (supine45), and sitting with head backward at 45° (sitting45). The MAD delivered saline/fluorescein aerosol into model nostrils, during static airflow. Model pieces were tested for fluorescence using a fluorometer, and deposition calculated as percent fluorescence per piece relative to its reference. Total deposition (four pieces combined) and regional deposition (four pieces separately) were calculated. Results: Age and head position had little effect on total deposition. In contrast, deposition in the upper and middle third supine45 and in the lower third sitting45 was significantly different in the 2-year-old model, compared with the two older models. In addition, some head positions significantly increased deposition in the upper, middle, and lower thirds within each model, compared with other positions. Upper deposition was significantly greater at supine45, compared with sitting45 (18-year-old) and supine45, compared with supine and sitting45 (5-year-old). Middle deposition was significantly greater at supine and supine45, compared with sitting45 (2-year-old). Lower deposition was significantly greater at sitting45, compared with supine45 (18-year-old); supine and sitting45, compared with supine45 (5-year-old); and sitting45, compared with supine45 and supine (2-year-old). Conclusions: Age and head position significantly affected regional deposition of aerosol delivered by the MAD in these 3D models. Such models might be used to study other methods for targeting intranasal regions with aerosolized medications in children and adults.

In vitro-in vivo correlation of aerosol deposition before and after metered-dose inhaler coaching in healthy children

Although pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) education is a routine part of childhood asthma management and encouraging "optimal breathing patterns" (i.e., slowly, deeply, completely, and with a mouth seal on the mouthpiece) is an integral part of recommended pMDI education, there is currently no quantifiable way to determine if a child is inhaling their medication correctly or optimally through a valved holding chamber (VHC). The TipsHaler™ (tVHC) is a prototype VHC device that measures inspiratory time, flow, and volume without changing the properties of the medication aerosol. The measurements in vivo recorded by the tVHC can be downloaded and transferred to a spontaneous breathing lung model to simulate the inhalational patterns in vitro and also determine the deposition of inhaled aerosol mass with each pattern. We hypothesized that pediatric patients' inhalational patterns when using a pMDI would improve after active coaching via tVHC. This would increase the pulmonary deposition of inhaled aerosols in an in vitro model. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a single-site, prospective, pilot, pre-and-post intervention study paired with a bedside-to-bench experiment. Healthy, inhaler-naïve subjects used a placebo inhaler in conjunction with the tVHC before and after coaching and recorded inspiratory parameters. These recordings were then implemented into a spontaneous breathing lung model during albuterol MDI delivery, and pulmonary deposition of albuterol was quantified. In this pilot study, active coaching resulted in a statistically significant increase in inspiratory time (n = 8, p = 0.0344, 95%CI: 0.082 to ∞). tVHC recorded inspiratory parameters obtained from patients were successfully implemented in the in vitro model, which demonstrated that both inspiratory time (n = 8, r = 0.78, p < 0.001, 95%CI: 0.47 to 0.92) and volume (n = 8, r = 0.58, p = 0.0186, 95%CI: 0.15 to 0.85) strongly correlate with pulmonary deposition of inhaled drugs.

The Use of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Aerosol Medicine

Imaging of radiolabeled aerosols provides useful in vivo data on both the initial site of deposition and its subsequent transport by mucociliary clearance and epithelial permeability. Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) uses a gamma camera with multiple rotating heads to produce three-dimensional (3D) images of inhaled radioaerosol labeled with technetium-99m. This enables total lung deposition and its 3D regional distribution to be quantified. Aligned 3D images of lung structure allow deposition data to be related to lung anatomy. Mucociliary clearance or epithelial permeability can be assessed from a time series of SPECT aerosol images. SPECT is slightly superior to planar imaging for measuring total lung deposition. However, it is more complex to use, and for studies where total lung deposition is the endpoint, planar imaging is recommended. However, SPECT has been shown to be clearly superior to planar imaging for assessing regional distribution of aerosol and is the method of choice for this purpose. It therefore has applications in studying the influence of regional deposition on clinical effectiveness and also in validating computer models of deposition. The inability to directly radiolabel drug molecules with ^99mTc is a clear disadvantage of SPECT and limits its potential use for pharmacokinetic studies. SPECT provides a wealth of data on aerosol deposition, which has been relatively underused at present. Optimal methods of analyzing and interpreting the data need to be developed. SPECT can also, in principle, provide detailed information of mucociliary clearance and has the potential to significantly improve knowledge of this process and hence clarify the role of clearance as a biomarker.

Imaging Aerosol Deposition with Two-Dimensional Gamma Scintigraphy

Several imaging modalities have been employed to quantify lung dose and the distribution of the dose of orally inhaled aerosols in vivo. Two-dimensional (2D, or planar) imaging using gamma scintigraphy is the most widely used of these modalities. Two-dimensional gamma scintigraphy studies are accomplished using a single- or dual-headed gamma camera. The formulation to be tested is admixed with the gamma emitting radioisotope ^99mtechnetium, which serves as a surrogate for the drug. This article provides details as to how 2D gamma scintigraphy images should be acquired and analyzed using recently standardized methods. Based on the new guidelines, the investigator should confirm that the drug formulation is unchanged with the addition of the radioisotope, determine the amount of radioactivity needed for inhalation to obtain appropriate radioactivity counts in the lungs, perform quality control procedures for the gamma camera, identify the lung borders of the study subject using a reference image such as an X-ray computed tomography scan, a ventilation scan, or a transmission scan, acquire a lung transmission image to correct for attenuation of radioactivity by lung tissue, instruct the subject how to inhale the radiolabel-drug mixture and record associated breathing parameters, acquire anterior and/or posterior views of the lungs and any other regions of interest (i.e., oropharynx, stomach) and assess the acquired images for total and regional dose to the lungs. Total dose should be assessed after identification of the right lung border and appropriate correction for tissue attenuation. Regional dose should be quantified as a normalized outer/inner deposition ratio (O/I) and expressed as the penetration index (PI). Mass balance should be performed as needed. By following the standardized methods, 2D gamma scintigraphy data from studies in different laboratories may be compared and combined, leading to multi-center studies and more rapid development of new medications and devices for inhaled therapies.

Fabrication of Oxide-Based All-Solid-State Batteries by a Sintering Process Based on Function Sharing of Solid Electrolytes

Garnet-type Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZ) has advantages of stability with Li metal and high Li+ ionic conductivity, achieving 1 × 10-3 S cm-1, but it is prone to react with electrode active materials during the sintering process. LISICON-type Li3.5Ge0.5V0.5O4 (LGVO) has the advantage of less reactivity with the electrode active material during the sintering process, but its ionic conductivity is on the order of 10-5 S cm-1. In this study, these two solid electrolytes are combined as a multilayer solid electrolyte sheet, where 2 μm thick LGVO films are coated on LLZ sheets to utilize the advantages of these two solid electrolytes. These two solid electrolytes adhere well through Ge diffusion without significant interfacial resistance. The LLZ-LGVO multilayer is combined with a LiCoO2 positive electrode and a lithium metal anode through annealing at 700 °C. The resultant all-solid-state battery can undergo repeated charge-discharge reactions for over 100 cycles at 25 or 60 °C. The LGVO coating suppresses the increases in the resistance from the solid electrolyte and interfacial resistance induced by annealing by ca. 1/40. As with sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries, function sharing of solid electrolytes will be a promising method for developing advanced oxide-based all-solid-state batteries through a sintering process.

Degradation Mechanism of All-Solid-State Li-Metal Batteries Studied by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Solid-state Li-metal batteries have the potential to achieve both high safety and high energy densities. Among various solid-state fast-ion conductors, the garnet-type Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ (LLZO) is one of the few that are stable to Li metal. However, the large interfacial resistance between LLZO and cathode materials severely limits the practical application of LLZO. Here a LiCoO₂ (LCO) film was deposited onto an Al-doped LLZO substrate at room temperature by aerosol deposition, and a low interfacial resistance was achieved. The LCO particles were precoated by Li₃BO₃ (LBO), which melted to join the LCO particles to the LLZO substrate at heating. All-solid-state Li/LLZO/LBO-LCO cells could deliver an initial discharge capacity of 128 mAh g^-1 at 0.2 C and 60 °C and demonstrated relatively high capacity retention of 87% after 30 cycles. The cell degradation mechanism was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and was found to be mainly related to the increase of the interfacial resistance between LBO and LCO. In-situ SEM analysis verified the hypothesis that the increase of the interfacial resistance was caused primarily by interfacial cracking upon cycling. This study demonstrated the capability of EIS as a powerful nondestructive in-situ technique to investigate the failure mechanisms of all-solid-state batteries.

NaCl Ionization-Based Moisture Sensor Prepared by Aerosol Deposition for Monitoring Respiratory Patterns

A highly polarizable moisture sensor with multimodal sensing capabilities has great advantages for healthcare applications such as human respiration monitoring. We introduce an ionically polarizable moisture sensor based on NaCl/BaTiO₃ composite films fabricated using a facile aerosol deposition (AD) process. The proposed sensing model operates based on an enormous NaCl ionization effect in addition to natural moisture polarization, whereas all previous sensors are based only on the latter. We obtained an optimal sensing performance in a 0.5 µm-thick layer containing NaCl-37.5 wt% by manipulating the sensing layer thickness and weight fraction of NaCl. The NaCl/BaTiO₃ sensing layer exhibits outstanding sensitivity over a wide humidity range and a fast response/recovery time of 2/2 s; these results were obtained by performing the one-step AD process at room temperature without using any auxiliary methods. Further, we present a human respiration monitoring system using a sensing device that provides favorable and stable electrical signals under diverse respiratory scenarios.

PerfuPul-A Versatile Perfusable Platform to Assess Permeability and Barrier Function of Air Exposed Pulmonary Epithelia

Complex in vitro models, especially those based on human cells and tissues, may successfully reduce or even replace animal models within pre-clinical development of orally inhaled drug products. Microfluidic lung-on-chips are regarded as especially promising models since they allow the culture of lung specific cell types under physiological stimuli including perfusion and air-liquid interface (ALI) conditions within a precisely controlled in vitro environment. Currently, though, such models are not available to a broad user community given their need for sophisticated microfabrication techniques. They further require systematic comparison to well-based filter supports, in analogy to traditional Transwells®. We here present a versatile perfusable platform that combines the advantages of well-based filter supports with the benefits of perfusion, to assess barrier permeability of and aerosol deposition on ALI cultured pulmonary epithelial cells. The platform as well as the required technical accessories can be reproduced via a detailed step-by-step protocol and implemented in typical bio-/pharmaceutical laboratories without specific expertise in microfabrication methods nor the need to buy costly specialized equipment. Calu-3 cells cultured under liquid covered conditions (LCC) inside the platform showed similar development of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) over a period of 14 days as cells cultured on a traditional Transwell^®. By using a customized deposition chamber, fluorescein sodium was nebulized via a clinically relevant Aerogen^® Solo nebulizer onto Calu-3 cells cultured under ALI conditions within the platform. This not only allowed to analyze the transport of fluorescein sodium after ALI deposition under perfusion, but also to compare it to transport under traditional static conditions.

Effect of Respiratory Tract Disease on Particle Deposition

This chapter describes the effects that respiratory disease has on particle deposition in the lungs. The geometry of airways, breathing patterns, and regional ventilation are all affected by various lung diseases, including COPD, asthma, and cystic fibrosis, and in turn modify total and regional deposition from normal. Total particle deposition in the lung is increased by airways obstruction and increased ventilation at rest compared to healthy individuals. Regional particle deposition is 1) shifted from distal to more proximal bronchial airways by airway obstruction, and 2) becomes more heterogeneous due to uneven lung ventilation. The net effect of the changes in total and regional particle deposition from normal is to greatly enhance bronchial airway surface doses for particle deposition while leaving unventilated lung regions inaccessible to the particles. As a result, both therapeutic aerosol delivery and the adverse effects of pollutant particles may be altered with progression of lung disease.

New Approach Methodology for Assessing Inhalation Risks of a Contact Respiratory Cytotoxicant: Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Aerosol Dosimetry Modeling for Cross-Species and In Vitro Comparisons

Regulatory agencies are considering alternative approaches to assessing inhalation toxicity that utilizes in vitro studies with human cells and in silico modeling in lieu of additional animal studies. In support of this goal, computational fluid-particle dynamics models were developed to estimate site-specific deposition of inhaled aerosols containing the fungicide, chlorothalonil, in the rat and human for comparisons to prior rat inhalation studies and new human in vitro studies. Under bioassay conditions, the deposition was predicted to be greatest at the front of the rat nose followed by the anterior transitional epithelium and larynx corresponding to regions most sensitive to local contact irritation and cytotoxicity. For humans, simulations of aerosol deposition covering potential occupational or residential exposures (1-50 µm diameter) were conducted using nasal and oral breathing. Aerosols in the 1-5 µm range readily penetrated the deep region of the human lung following both oral and nasal breathing. Under actual use conditions (aerosol formulations >10 µm), the majority of deposited doses were in the upper conducting airways. Beyond the nose or mouth, the greatest deposition in the pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi was predicted for aerosols in the 10-20 µm size range. Only small amounts of aerosols >20 µm penetrated past the pharyngeal region. Using the ICRP clearance model, local retained tissue dose metrics including maximal concentrations and areas under the curve were calculated for each airway region following repeated occupational exposures. These results are directly comparable with benchmark doses from in vitro toxicity studies in human cells leading to estimated human equivalent concentrations that reduce the reliance on animals for risk assessments.

Investigating the Feasibility of Preparing Metal-Ceramic Multi-Layered Composites Using Only the Aerosol-Deposition Technique

The preparation of metal–ceramic layered composites remains a challenge due to the incompatibilities of the materials at the high temperatures of the co-firing process. For densification, the ceramic thick-film materials must be subjected to high-temperature annealing (usually above 900 °C), which can increase the production costs and limit the use of substrate or co-sintering materials with a low oxidation resistance and a low melting point, such as metals. To overcome these problems, the feasibility of preparing dense, defect-free, metal–ceramic multilayers with a room-temperature-based method should be investigated. In this study, we have shown that the preparation of ceramic–metal Al₂O₃/Al/Al₂O₃/Gd multilayers using aerosol deposition (AD) is feasible and represents a simple, reliable and cost-effective approach to substrate functionalisation and protection. Scanning electron microscopy of the multilayers showed that all the layers have a dense, defect-free microstructure and good intra-layer connectivity. The top Al₂O₃ dielectric layer provides excellent electrical resistance (i.e., 7.7 × 10¹² Ω∙m), which is required for reliable electric field applications.

Comparison of Metal-Based PZT and PMN-PT Energy Harvesters Fabricated by Aerosol Deposition Method

In this study, polycrystalline lead magnesium niobate–lead titanate (PMN–PT) was explored as an alternative piezoelectric material, with a higher power density for energy harvesting (EH), and comprehensively compared to the widely used polycrystalline lead zirconate titanate (PZT). First, the size distribution and piezoelectric properties of PZT and PMN–PT raw powders and ceramics were compared. Thereafter, both materials were deposited on stainless-steel substrates as 10 μm thick films using the aerosol deposition method. The films were processed as {3–1}-mode cantilever-type EH devices using microelectromechanical systems. The films with different annealing temperatures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and dielectric behavior measurements. Furthermore, the mechanical and electrical properties of PMN–PT- and PZT-based devices were measured and compared. The PMN–PT-based devices showed a higher Young’s modulus and lower damping ratio. Owing to their higher figure of merit and lower piezoelectric voltage constant, they showed a higher power and lower voltage than the PZT-based devices. Finally, when poly-PMN–PT material was the active layer, the output power was enhanced by 26% at the 0.5 g acceleration level. Thus, these devices exhibited promising properties, meeting the high current and low voltage requirements in integrated circuit designs.

Physiological Factors Affecting Lung Deposition

Ventilation and mechanics of breathing are an integral part of respiratory physiology that directly affect aerosol transport and deposition in the lung. Although natural breathing pattern varies widely among individuals, breathing pattern is controllable, and by using an appropriate breathing pattern, aerosol deposition can be substantially modified for desired purposes. Effects of breathing pattern have been investigated under carefully controlled inhalation conditions covering a wide range of tidal volumes (V_T) and breathing frequencies (f) or respiratory times (T = 1/f). The studies have shown that lung deposition can increase or decrease as much as two times by changing the breathing pattern. Specific functional relationships have been found between lung deposition and breathing pattern parameters such that lung deposition can be estimated for any given breathing pattern. Both V_T and T have shown strong effects on lung deposition, but their influence is variable depending on particle size, particularly, ultrafine vs. micron-sized particles. V_T is more influential than T for micron-sized particles whereas V_T and T are equally influential for ultrafine particles. Although effects of lung morphology are difficult to study systematically, comparison between normals and patients with obstructive airway disease has shown that lung deposition is closely related with the degree of airways obstruction and can be 2-3 times greater in patients with obstructive airway disease compared to normals. Thus, breathing pattern and the status of airways obstruction should be carefully considered in designing aerosol delivery and estimating deposition dose.

Unique Noncontact Monitoring of Human Respiration and Sweat Evaporation Using a CsPb2Br5-Based Sensor

Respiration monitoring and human sweat sensing have promising application prospects in personal healthcare data collection, disease diagnostics, and the effective prevention of human-to-human transmission of fatal viruses. Here, we have introduced a unique respiration monitoring and touchless sensing system based on a CsPb₂Br₅/BaTiO₃ humidity-sensing layer operated by water-induced interfacial polarization and prepared using a facile aerosol deposition process. Based on the relationship between sensing ability and layer thickness, the sensing device with a 1.0 μm thick layer was found to exhibit optimal sensing performance, a result of its ideal microstructure. This sensor also exhibits the highest electrical signal variation at 0.5 kHz due to a substantial polarizability difference between high and low humidity. As a result, the CsPb₂Br₅/BaTiO₃ sensing device shows the best signal variation of all types of breath-monitoring devices reported to date when used to monitor sudden changes in respiratory rates in diverse situations. Furthermore, the sensor can effectively detect sweat evaporation when placed 1 cm from the skin, including subtle changes in capacitance caused by finger area and motion, skin moisture, and contact time. This ultrasensitive sensor, with its fast response, provides a potential new sensing platform for the long-term daily monitoring of respiration and sweat evaporation.

Regional Lung Deposition: In Vivo Data

The method section of this chapter on in vivo regional lung deposition highlights a nonradioactive method to measure regional deposition, which uses a photometer to quantify inhaled and exhaled particles and in that way is able to estimate the lung region from which the particles are exhaled and to what amount. The radioactive methods cover the measurement of clearance of the deposited particles as well as different imaging techniques to determine regional deposition. The result section reviews in vivo trials in human subjects. It also addresses different parameters that influence the regional deposition in the lungs: particle size, inhalation maneuver, carrier gas, disease, and inhalation device. All of these factors can affect regional deposition significantly. By choosing specific values of these parameters, it should be feasible to target different regions of the lungs for the therapy of different diseases.

Extended Pharmacopeial Characterization of Surfactant Aerosols Generated by a Customized eFlow Neos Nebulizer Delivered through Neonatal Nasal Prongs

The delivery of nebulized medications to preterm infants during Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) remains an unmet clinical need. In this regard, the effective delivery of nebulized surfactant has been particularly investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. In this work, we investigated the feasibility of delivering nebulized surfactant through various commercially available nasal prong types. We first performed a compendial characterization of surfactant aerosols generated by the eFlow Neos nebulizer, customized to be used in neonates, determining the amount of surfactant delivered by the device as well as the aerodynamic characteristics of surfactant aerosols. Additionally, we extended the compendial characterization by testing the effect of different nasal prong types on the estimated lung dose using a realistic Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) circuit that included a cast of the upper airways of a preterm neonate. The compendial characterization of surfactant aerosols delivered through different nasal prongs achieved relatively high delivered surfactant doses (in the range 63-74% of the nominal dose), with aerodynamic characteristics displaying mass median aerodynamic diameters ranging between 2.52 and 2.81 µm. Nevertheless, when using a representative in vitro setup mimicking NIV in a clinical setting, significant differences were observed in terms of the estimated lung dose accounting for up to two-fold differences (from 10% to 20% estimated lung deposition of the nominal dose) depending on the chosen nasal prong type. Considering that surfactant lung deposition rates are correlated with therapeutic efficacy, this study points out the relevance of choosing the appropriate NIV interface to maximize the lung dose of nebulized medications.

lapdMouse: associating lung anatomy with local particle deposition in mice

To facilitate computational toxicology, we developed an approach for generating high-resolution lung-anatomy and particle-deposition mouse models. Major processing steps of our method include mouse preparation, serial block-face cryomicrotome imaging, and highly automated image analysis for generating three-dimensional (3D) mesh-based models and volume-based models of lung anatomy (airways, lobes, sublobes, and near-acini structures) that are linked to local particle-deposition measurements. Analysis resulted in 34 mouse models covering 4 different mouse strains (B6C3F1: 8, BALB/C: 11, C57Bl/6: 8, and CD-1: 7) as well as both sexes (16 male and 18 female) and different particle sizes [2 μm (n = 15), 1 μm (n = 16), and 0.5 μm (n = 3)]. On average, resulting mouse airway models had 1,616.9 ± 298.1 segments, a centerline length of 597.6 ± 59.8 mm, and 1,968.9 ± 296.3 outlet regions. In addition to 3D geometric lung models, matching detailed relative particle-deposition measurements are provided. All data sets are available online in the lapdMouse archive for download. The presented approach enables linking relative particle deposition to anatomical structures like airways. This will in turn improve the understanding of site-specific airflows and how they affect drug, environmental, or biological aerosol deposition.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Computer simulations of particle deposition in mouse lungs play an important role in computational toxicology. Until now, a limiting factor was the lack of high-resolution mouse lung models and measured local particle-deposition information, which are required for developing accurate modeling approaches (e.g., computational fluid dynamics). With the developed imaging and analysis approach, we address this issue and provide all of the raw and processed data in a publicly accessible repository.

Targeted Lung Deposition From Nebulization Is Not Improved in the Lateral Decubitus Position in Healthy Volunteers

BACKGROUND

Clinical benefits of inhaled therapies are related to the amount of drug deposited in the targeted area of the lung. Body positions that influence the distribution of lung ventilation should impact lung deposition of the nebulized drug. The aim of this study was to analyze the immediate effect of body position while the subject lies on his side (lateral decubitus) during nebulization on 3-dimensional total and regional lung deposition.

METHODS

A randomized crossover trial was performed on healthy male volunteers without cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. A technetium-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (^99mTc-DTPA) solution (4 mL) was nebulized using an individual-controlled inhalation system in left lateral decubitus and sitting positions with a 96-h washout period (43 inspirations of 4 s [ie, drug delivered until second 3] with a tidal volume of 0.8 L and a low inspiratory flow (200 mL/s). Drug deposition was followed with the use of planar images and single-photon-emission computed tomography combined with low-resolution computed tomography. Total and regional depositions were the main outcomes. Penetration index was also considered.

RESULTS

Six participants (26.8 ± 6.9 y old) were included. Total lung deposition tended to be higher in a sitting position than in a lateral decubitus position: 10.2 ± 0.9% of nominal dose (95% CI 9.1-11.3) vs 8.6 ± 1.4% of nominal dose (95% CI 6.8-10.4) (P = .09). The deposition was significantly reduced in the dependent (left) lung in the lateral decubitus position: 3.5 ± 0.7% of nominal dose (95% CI 2.6-4.3) vs 4.7 ± 0.3% of nominal dose (95% CI 4.3-5.0) (P = .03). Penetration index was only influenced by body position for the dependent (left) lung (P = .043).

CONCLUSIONS

The total amount of drug delivered to the lungs during nebulization with an individual-controlled inhalation system tended to decrease when performed in the left lateral decubitus position. Moreover, contrary to the initial hypothesis, the deposition of particles in the dependent lung was not improved by the lateral decubitus position in this configuration. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT02451501.).

Characterization of Sn4P3-Carbon Composite Films for Lithium-Ion Battery Anode Fabricated by Aerosol Deposition

We fabricated tin phosphide–carbon (Sn₄P₃/C) composite film by aerosol deposition (AD) and investigated its electrochemical performance for a lithium-ion battery anode. Sn₄P₃/C composite powders prepared by a ball milling was used as raw material and deposited onto a stainless steel substrate to form the composite film via impact consolidation. The Sn₄P₃/C composite film fabricated by AD showed much better electrochemical performance than the Sn₄P₃ film without complexing carbon. Although both films showed initial discharge (Li⁺ extraction) capacities of approximately 1000 mAh g⁻¹, Sn₄P₃/C films retained higher reversible capacity above 700 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles of charge and discharge processes while the capacity of Sn₄P₃ film rapidly degraded with cycling. In addition, by controlling the potential window in galvanostatic testing, Sn₄P₃/C composite film retained the reversible capacity of 380 mAh g⁻¹ even after 400 cycles. The complexed carbon works not only as a buffer to suppress the collapse of electrodes by large volume change of Sn₄P₃ in charge and discharge reactions but also as an electronic conduction path among the atomized active material particles in the film.

Controlled Enhancement in Hole Injection at Gold-Nanoparticle-on-Organic Electrical Contacts Fabricated by Spark-Discharge Aerosol Technique

We demonstrate that hole injection from a top electrode composed of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) capped with a thick Au layer into an underlying organic semiconductor, N, N'-diphenyl- N, N'-bis-[4-(phenyl- m-tolyl-amino)-phenyl]-biphenyl-4,4'-diamine (DNTPD), is significantly enhanced compared to that in a control device whose top electrode is composed entirely of a thick Au layer. The fabrication of this organic hole-only device with the AuNP electrode is made possible by dry, room-temperature distribution of AuNPs onto DNTPD using a spark-discharge aerosol technique capable of varying the average diameter ( D̅) of the AuNPs. The enhancement in hole injection is found to increase with decreasing D̅, with the current density of a device with D̅ = 1.1 nm being more than 3 orders of magnitude larger than that of the control device. Intensity-modulated photocurrent measurements show that the built-in potentials of the devices with the AuNP electrode are smaller than that of the control device by as much as 0.68 V, indicating that the enhanced hole injection originates from the increased work functions of these devices, which in turn decreases the hole injection barrier heights. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that the increased work functions of the AuNP electrodes are due to surface oxidation of the AuNPs resulting in AuN and Au₃N. The degree of oxidation of the AuNPs increases with decreasing D̅, consistent with the D̅-dependencies of the hole injection enhancement and the built-in potential reduction.

Use of computational fluid dynamics deposition modeling in respiratory drug delivery

INTRODUCTION

Respiratory drug delivery is a surprisingly complex process with a number of physical and biological challenges. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a scientific simulation technique that is capable of providing spatially and temporally resolved predictions of many aspects related to respiratory drug delivery from initial aerosol formation through respiratory cellular drug absorption.

AREAS COVERED

This review article focuses on CFD-based deposition modeling applied to pharmaceutical aerosols. Areas covered include the development of new complete-airway CFD deposition models and the application of these models to develop a next-generation of respiratory drug delivery strategies.

EXPERT OPINION

Complete-airway deposition modeling is a valuable research tool that can improve our understanding of pharmaceutical aerosol delivery and is already supporting medical hypotheses, such as the expected under-treatment of the small airways in asthma. These complete-airway models are also being used to advance next-generation aerosol delivery strategies, like controlled condensational growth. We envision future applications of CFD deposition modeling to reduce the need for human subject testing in developing new devices and formulations, to help establish bioequivalence for the accelerated approval of generic inhalers, and to provide valuable new insights related to drug dissolution and clearance leading to microdosimetry maps of drug absorption.

Quantitative Gd-DOTA-based aerosol deposition mapping in the lungs of asthmatic rats using 3D UTE-MRI

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease, commonly treated with inhaled therapy. Better understanding of the mechanisms of aerosol deposition is required to improve inhaled drug delivery. Three-dimensional ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI acquisitions at 1.5 T were combined with spontaneous nose-only inhalation of aerosolized gadolinium (Gd) to map the aerosol deposition and to characterize signal enhancement in asthmatic rat lungs. The rats were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) to develop asthmatic models and challenged before imaging by nebulization of OVA to trigger asthmatic symptoms. The negative controls were not sensitized or challenged by nebulization of saline. The animal lungs were imaged before and after administration of Gd-based aerosol in freely breathing rats, by using a T₁ -weighted 3D UTE sequence. A contrast-enhanced quantitative analysis was performed to assess regional concentration. OVA-sensitized rats had lower signal enhancement and lower deposited aerosol concentration. Their enhancement dynamics showed large inter-subject variability. The signal intensity was homogeneously enhanced for controls while OVA-sensitized rats showed heterogeneous enhancement. Contrast-enhanced 3D UTE was applied with aerosolized Gd to efficiently measure spatially resolved deposition in asthmatic lungs. The small administered dose (around 1 μmol/kg body weight) and the use of standard clinical MRI suggest a potential application for the exploration of asthma.

Anatomically Based Analysis of Radioaerosol Distribution in Pulmonary Scintigraphy: A Feasibility Study in Asthmatics

INTRODUCTION

Manual analysis of two-dimensional (2D) scintigraphy to evaluate aerosol deposition is usually subjective and has reduced sensitivity to quantify regional differences between central and distal airways.

AIMS

(1) To present a method to analyze 2D scans based on three-dimensional (3D)-linked anatomically consistent regions of interest (ROIs); (2) to evaluate peripheral-to-central counts ratio (P/C_2D) and penetration indices (PIs) for a set of 16 subjects with moderate-to-severe asthma; and (3) to compare the reproducibility of this method against one with manually traced ROIs.

METHODS

Two-dimensional scans were analyzed using custom software that scaled onto 2D-projections' 3D anatomical features, obtained from population-averaged computed tomography (CT) chest scans. ROIs for a rectangular box (bROI) and an anatomically shaped ROI (aROI) were defined by computer and by manually tracing the standard rectangular box (manual ROI [mROI]). These ROIs were defined five nonconsecutive times for each scan and average value and variability of the P/C_2D were estimated. Based on CT estimates of lung and airways, volumes lying under the bROI and aROI, a 2D penetration index (PI_2D) and a 3D penetration index (PI_3D), were defined as volume-normalized ratios of aerosol deposition in central and peripheral ROIs and in central and distal airways, respectively.

RESULTS

P/C_2D values and their variability, were influenced by the shape and method to define the ROIs: The P/C_2D was systematically greater and more variable for mROI versus bROI (p < 0.005). The P/C_2D for aROI was higher and its variability lower than those for the bROI (p < 0.001). The PI_2D was in average the same for aROI and bROI, and is substantially (∼30 × ) greater than PI_3D (p < 0.001). Both PI_2D and PI_3D, obtained with our analysis, compared well with literature values obtained with two scans (deposition and volume).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that 2D scintigraphy can be analyzed using anatomically based ROIs from 3D CT data, allowing objective and enhanced reproducibility values describing the distribution pattern of radioaerosol deposition in the tracheobronchial tree.

Properties of Lithium Trivanadate Film Electrodes Formed on Garnet-Type Oxide Solid Electrolyte by Aerosol Deposition

We fabricated lithium trivanadate LiV₃O₈ (LVO) film electrodes for the first time on a garnet-type Ta-doped Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ (LLZT) solid electrolyte using the aerosol deposition (AD) method. Ball-milled LVO powder with sizes in the range of 0.5–2 µm was used as a raw material for LVO film fabrication via impact consolidation at room temperature. LVO film (thickness = 5 µm) formed by AD has a dense structure composed of deformed and fractured LVO particles and pores were not observed at the LVO/LLZT interface. For electrochemical characterization of LVO film electrodes, lithium (Li) metal foil was attached on the other end face of a LLZT pellet to comprise a LVO/LLZT/Li all-solid-state cell. From impedance measurements, the charge transfer resistance at the LVO/LLZT interface is estimated to be around 10³ Ω cm² at room temperature, which is much higher than at the Li/LLZT interface. Reversible charge and discharge reactions in the LVO/LLZT/Li cell were demonstrated and the specific capacities were 100 and 290 mAh g⁻¹ at 50 and 100 °C. Good cycling stability of electrode reaction indicates strong adhesion between the LVO film electrode formed via impact consolidation and LLZT.

Recommendations for Simulating Microparticle Deposition at Conditions Similar to the Upper Airways with Two-Equation Turbulence Models

The development of a CFD model, from initial geometry to experimentally validated result with engineering insight, can be a time-consuming process that often requires several iterations of meshing and solver set-up. Applying a set of guidelines in the early stages can help to streamline the process and improve consistency between different models. The objective of this study was to determine both mesh and CFD solution parameters that enable the accurate simulation of microparticle deposition under flow conditions consistent with the upper respiratory airways including turbulent flow. A 90° bend geometry was used as a characteristic model that occurs throughout the airways and for which high-quality experimental aerosol deposition data is available in the transitional and turbulent flow regimes. Four meshes with varying degrees of near-wall resolution were compared, and key solver settings were applied to determine the parameters that minimize sensitivity to the near-wall (NW) mesh. The Low Reynolds number (LRN) k-ω model was used to resolve the turbulence field, which is a numerically efficient two-equation turbulence model, but has recently been considered overly simplistic. Some recent studies have used more complex turbulence models, such as Large Eddy Simulation (LES), to overcome the perceived weaknesses of two-equation models. Therefore, the secondary objective was to determine whether the more computationally efficient LRN k-ω model was capable of providing deposition results that were comparable to LES. Results show how NW mesh sensitivity is reduced through application of the Green-Gauss Node-based gradient discretization scheme and physically realistic near-wall corrections. Using the newly recommended meshing parameters and solution guidelines gives an excellent match to experimental data. Furthermore, deposition data from the LRN k-ω model compares favorably with LES results for the same characteristic geometry. In summary, this study provides a set of meshing and solution guidelines for simulating aerosol deposition in transitional and turbulent flows found in the upper respiratory airways using the numerically efficient LRN k-ω approach.

Preparation of Ultrasensitive Humidity-Sensing Films by Aerosol Deposition

Aerosol deposition (AD) is a novel ceramic film preparation technique exhibiting the advantages of room-temperature operation and highly efficient film growth. Despite these advantages, AD has not been used for preparing humidity-sensing films. Herein, room-temperature AD was utilized to deposit BaTiO₃ films on a glass substrate with a Pt interdigital capacitor, and their humidity-sensing performances were evaluated in detail, with further optimization performed by postannealing at temperatures of 100, 200, ..., 600 °C. Sensor responses (i.e., capacitance variations) were measured in a humidity chamber for relative humidities (RHs) of 20-90%, with the best sensitivity (461.02) and a balanced performance at both low and high RHs observed for the chip annealed at 500 °C. In addition, its response and recovery were extremely fast, respectively, at 3 and 6 s and it kept a stable recording with the maximum error rate of 0.1% over a 120 h aging test. Compared with other BaTiO₃-based humidity sensors, the above chip required less thermal energy for its preparation but featured a more than 2-fold higher sensitivity and a superior detection balance at RHs of 20-90%. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy imaging revealed that the prepared film featured a transitional variable-density structure, with moisture absorption and desorption being promoted by a specific capillary structure. Finally, a bilayer physical model was developed to explain the mechanism of enhanced humidity sensitivity by the prepared BaTiO₃ film.

Dry and Direct Deposition of Aerosol-Synthesized Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Thermophoresis

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) show great potential as an active material in electronic and photonic devices, but their applicability is currently limited by shortcomings in existing deposition methods. SWCNTs can be dispersed from liquid solutions; however, their poor solubility requires the use of surfactants and ultrasonication, causing defects and degradation in device performance. Likewise, the high temperatures required by their chemical vapor deposition growth limit substrates on which SWCNTs can be directly grown. Here, we present a systematic study of the direct deposition of pristine, aerosol-synthesized SWCNTs by thermophoresis. The density of the deposited nanotube film can be continuously adjusted from individual, separated nanotubes to multilayer thin films by changing the deposition time. Depending on the lateral flow inside the thermophoretic precipitator, the angular distribution of the deposited SWCNT film can be changed from uniform to nonuniform. Because the substrate is kept at nearly ambient temperature, deposition can be thus carried out on practically any flat substrate with high efficiencies close to unity. The thermophoretic terminal velocity of SWCNTs, determined by aerosol loss measurements, is found to be approximately one-third of the usual prediction in the free molecular regime and shows a weak dependence on the nanotube diameter. As a demonstration of the applicability of our technique, we have used thermophoretic deposition in the fabrication of carbon nanotube thin-film transistors with uniform electrical properties and a high, over 99.5%, yield.

A Trans-Nasal Aerosol Delivery Device for Efficient Pulmonary Deposition

BACKGROUND

Efficient delivery of aerosols to the lungs via the nasal route has been difficult to achieve, but it may offer benefits over the traditional oral route for a range of patient populations. Because slow, continuous delivery of short-acting agents could improve safety, tolerability, compliance, and efficacy when compared with the rapid, intermittent aerosol treatments delivered by mouthpiece or mask, a novel trans-nasal pulmonary aerosol delivery (tPAD) device was developed. The tPAD incorporates an aerosol particle-size selection chamber and a custom nasal cannula that are specifically optimized for aerosol delivery to the lung via the nasal route. The tPAD device produced a steady aerosol output (∼2 mL/h) from an optimized nasal cannula with negligible rainout in the cannula for up to 8 hours. The generated aerosol particles were small enough to minimize nasal deposition [volume median diameter (VMD) = 1.4 μm].

METHODS

In this proof-of-concept study, gamma scintigraphy was used to quantitate deposition efficiency of ^99mTc-labeled DTPA in 7% NaCl (hypertonic saline) in healthy human subjects (n = 6) during a short dosing period (15 minutes). A comparison was made with a standard oral jet nebulizer in the same subjects.

RESULTS

The tPAD device achieved high pulmonary deposition (39% ± 8%), based on emitted dose, and matched that of the oral jet nebulizer (36% ± 9%). Low fractions of aerosol deposition in the head and nose region were observed for tPAD (6% ± 6%) and jet nebulizer deliver (1% ± 1%) as well.

CONCLUSIONS

A profile of high pulmonary deposition efficiency and low nasal dose may enable the sustained use of the tPAD platform with a variety of therapeutic agents for a range of pulmonary disorders.

Scalable and Environmentally Benign Process for Smart Textile Nanofinishing

A major challenge in nanotechnology is that of determining how to introduce green and sustainable principles when assembling individual nanoscale elements to create working devices. For instance, textile nanofinishing is restricted by the many constraints of traditional pad-dry-cure processes, such as the use of costly chemical precursors to produce nanoparticles (NPs), the high liquid and energy consumption, the production of harmful liquid wastes, and multistep batch operations. By integrating low-cost, scalable, and environmentally benign aerosol processes of the type proposed here into textile nanofinishing, these constraints can be circumvented while leading to a new class of fabrics. The proposed one-step textile nanofinishing process relies on the diffusional deposition of aerosol NPs onto textile fibers. As proof of this concept, we deposit Ag NPs onto a range of textiles and assess their antimicrobial properties for two strains of bacteria (i.e., Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae). The measurements show that the logarithmic reduction in bacterial count can get as high as ca. 5.5 (corresponding to a reduction efficiency of 99.96%) when the Ag loading is 1 order of magnitude less (10 ppm; i.e., 10 mg Ag NPs per kg of textile) than that of textiles treated by traditional wet-routes. The antimicrobial activity does not increase in proportion to the Ag content above 10 ppm as a consequence of a "saturation" effect. Such low NP loadings on antimicrobial textiles minimizes the risk to human health (during textile use) and to the ecosystem (after textile disposal), as well as it reduces potential changes in color and texture of the resulting textile products. After three washes, the release of Ag is in the order of 1 wt %, which is comparable to textiles nanofinished with wet routes using binders. Interestingly, the washed textiles exhibit almost no reduction in antimicrobial activity, much as those of as-deposited samples. Considering that a realm of functional textiles can be nanofinished by aerosol NP deposition, our results demonstrate that the proposed approach, which is universal and sustainable, can potentially lead to a wide number of applications.

Imaging in Aerosol Medicine

Imaging techniques have been used extensively to study the delivery of inhaled medications. Deposition scintigraphy involves the quantification of deposited aerosol dose and is performed using 2-dimensional planar or 3-dimensional positron emission tomography (PET) or single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging techniques. Planar techniques have an extensive history of use, and quantification methods are well established. SPECT and PET techniques can provide better dose localization, but quantification is more complex, and the techniques are in more limited use. Aerosols have also been used to deliver radiopharmaceutical probes for the imaging of lung physiology. These studies include measurements of ventilation, mucus and cough clearance, and, more recently, liquid absorption in the airways. Clearance measurements have been used to assess therapeutic response in conditions such as cystic fibrosis. Future directions in aerosol-based imaging are likely to include use of novel probes to measure new physiological processes in the lung, more thorough integration of anatomical imaging, and use of multiple probes to simultaneously image drug and disease or interacting physiological processes.

Regional Ventilation and Aerosol Deposition with Helium-Oxygen in Bronchoconstricted Asthmatic Lungs

BACKGROUND

Theoretical models suggest that He-O2 as carrier gas may lead to more homogeneous ventilation and aerosol deposition than air. However, these effects have not been clinically consistent and it is unclear why subjects may or may not respond to the therapy. Here we present 3D-imaging data of aerosol deposition and ventilation distributions from subjects with asthma inhaling He-O2 as carrier gas. The data are compared with those that we previously obtained from a similar group of subjects inhaling air.

METHODS

Subjects with mild-to-moderate asthma were bronchoconstricted with methacholine and imaged with PET-CT while inhaling aerosol carried with He-O2. Mean-normalized-values of lobar specific ventilation sV* and deposition sD* were derived and the factors affecting the distribution of sD* were evaluated along with the effects of breathing frequency (f) and regional expansion (FVOL).

RESULTS

Lobar distributions of sD* and sV* with He-O2 were not statistically different from those previously measured with air. However, with He-O2 there was a larger number of lobes having sV* and sD* closer to unity and, in those subjects with uneven deposition distributions, the correlation of sD* with sV* was on average higher (p < 0.05) in He-O2 (0.84 ± 0.8) compared with air (0.55 ± 0.28). In contrast with air, where the frequency of breathing during nebulization was associated with the degree of sD*-sV* correlation, with He-O2 there was no association. Also, the modulation of f on the correlation between FVOL and sD*/sV* in air, was not observed in He-O2.

CONCLUSION

There were no differences in the inter-lobar heterogeneity of sD* or sV* in this group of mild asthmatic subjects breathing He-O2 compared with patients previously breathing air. Future studies, using these personalized 3D data sets as input to CFD models, are needed to understand if, and for whom, breathing He-O2 during aerosol inhalation may be beneficial.

A Meliorated Multi-Frequency Band Pyroelectric Sensor

This article proposes a meliorated multi-frequency band pyroelectric sensor for detecting subjects with various velocities, namely extending the sensing frequency under good performance from electrical signals. A tactic, gradually increasing thickness of the ZnO layers, is used for redeeming drawbacks of a thicker pyroelectric layer with a tardy response at a high-frequency band and a thinner pyroelectric layer with low voltage responsivity at a low-frequency band. The proposed sensor is built on a silicon substrate with a thermal isolation layer of a silicon nitride film, consisting of four pyroelectric layers with various thicknesses deposited by a sputtering or aerosol deposition (AD) method and top and bottom electrodes. The thinnest ZnO layer is deposited by sputtering, with a low thermal capacity and a rapid response shoulders a high-frequency sensing task, while the thicker ZnO layers are deposited by AD with a large thermal capacity and a tardy response shoulders a low-frequency sensing task. The fabricated device is effective in the range of 1 KHz~10 KHz with a rapid response and high voltage responsivity, while the ZnO layers with thicknesses of about 0.8 μm, 6 μm, 10 μm and 16 μm are used for fabricating the meliorated multi-frequency band pyroelectric sensor. The proposed sensor is successfully designed, analyzed, and fabricated in the present study, and can indeed extend the sensing range of the multi-frequency band.

What Causes Uneven Aerosol Deposition in the Bronchoconstricted Lung? A Quantitative Imaging Study

BACKGROUND

A previous PET-CT imaging study of 14 bronchoconstricted asthmatic subjects showed that peripheral aerosol deposition was highly variable among subjects and lobes. The aim of this work was to identify and quantify factors responsible for this variability.

METHODS

A theoretical framework was formulated to integrate four factors affecting aerosol deposition: differences in ventilation, in how air vs. aerosol distribute at each bifurcation, in the fraction of aerosol escaping feeding airways, and in the fraction of aerosol reaching the periphery that is exhaled. These factors were quantified in 12 of the subjects using PET-CT measurements of relative specific deposition sD*, relative specific ventilation sV* (measured with dynamic PET or estimated as change in expansion between two static HRCTs), average lobar expansion F_VOL, and breathing frequency measured during aerosol inhalation f_N.

RESULTS

The fraction of the variance of sD* explained by sV* (0.38), by bifurcation effects (0.38), and by differences in deposition along feeding airways (0.31) were similar in magnitude. We could not directly estimate the contribution of aerosol that was exhaled. Differences in expansion did not explain any fraction of the variability in sD* among lobes. The dependence of sD* on sV* was high in subjects breathing with low f_N, but weakened among those breathing faster. Finally, sD*/sV* showed positive dependence on F_VOL among low f_N subjects, while the dependence was negative among high f_N subjects.

CONCLUSION

The theoretical framework allowed us to analyze experimentally measured aerosol deposition imaging data. When considering bronchoconstricted asthmatic subjects, a dynamic measurement of ventilation is required to evaluate its effect on aerosol transport. The mechanisms behind the identified effects of f_N and F_VOL on aerosol deposition need further study and may have important implications for aerosol therapy in subjects with heterogeneous ventilation.

Controlled, Parametric, Individualized, 2-D and 3-D Imaging Measurements of Aerosol Deposition in the Respiratory Tract of Asthmatic Human Subjects for Model Validation

BACKGROUND

Computer modeling is used to predict inhaled aerosol deposition in the lung based on definition of the aerosol characteristics and the breathing pattern and airway anatomy of the subject. Validation of the models is limited by the lack of detailed experimental data. Three-dimensional imaging provides an opportunity to address this unmet need.

METHODS

Radioactive aerosol was administered to six male asthmatic subjects on two occasions under carefully monitored input conditions. Input parameters varied in particle size, depth of breathing, and carrier gas. The aerosol distribution was measured by combined single photon emission computed tomography and x-ray computer tomography (SPECT/CT) and airway anatomy by high resolution CT. The deposition distribution was measured by both a 2D and 3D analysis and described in terms of the percentage of inhaled aerosol deposited in sections of the respiratory tract and in both spatial and anatomical subdivisions within each lung. The percentage deposition in the conducting airways was also assessed by 24 h clearance.

RESULTS

A set of imaging data of aerosol deposition has thus been produced in which the input parameters of inhalation are well described. The results in asthmatics were compared to previous measurements in healthy controls using an identical inhalation protocol. The percentages of deposition in extra-thoracic and thoracic compartments of the airways were not significantly affected by disease, but the regional pulmonary deposition pattern was, with asthma leading to increased deposition in the conducting airways.

CONCLUSIONS

The dataset acquired in this study will be useful in validating computer models of aerosol deposition in asthmatic subjects. Asthma did not affect the fraction of inhaled aerosol depositing in the lungs, but gave rise to a more central deposition pattern. The use of 3D SPECT imaging in combination with 24 h clearance measurements enables differentiation of deposition between bronchial and bronchiolar airways.

Phase-contrast helium-3 MRI of aerosol deposition in human airways

One of the key challenges in the study of health-related aerosols is predicting and monitoring sites of particle deposition in the respiratory tract. The potential health risks of ambient exposure to environmental or workplace aerosols and the beneficial effects of medical aerosols are strongly influenced by the site of aerosol deposition along the respiratory tract. Nuclear medicine is the only current modality that combines quantification and regional localization of aerosol deposition, and this technique remains limited by its spatial and temporal resolutions and by patient exposure to radiation. Recent work in MRI has shed light on techniques to quantify micro-sized magnetic particles in living bodies by the measurement of associated static magnetic field variations. With regard to lung MRI, hyperpolarized helium-3 may be used as a tracer gas to compensate for the lack of MR signal in the airways, so as to allow assessment of pulmonary function and morphology. The extrathoracic region of the human respiratory system plays a critical role in determining aerosol deposition patterns, as it acts as a filter upstream from the lungs. In the present work, aerosol deposition in a mouth-throat phantom was measured using helium-3 MRI and compared with single-photon emission computed tomography. By providing high sensitivity with high spatial and temporal resolutions, phase-contrast helium-3 MRI offers new insights for the study of particle transport and deposition.

Deposition of Particles in the Alveolar Airways: Inhalation and Breath-Hold with Pharmaceutical Aerosols

Previous studies have demonstrated that factors such as airway wall motion, inhalation waveform, and geometric complexity influence the deposition of aerosols in the alveolar airways. However, deposition fraction correlations are not available that account for these factors in determining alveolar deposition. The objective of this study was to generate a new space-filling model of the pulmonary acinus region and implement this model to develop correlations of aerosol deposition that can be used to predict the alveolar dose of inhaled pharmaceutical products. A series of acinar models was constructed containing different numbers of alveolar duct generations based on space-filling 14-hedron elements. Selected ventilation waveforms were quick-and-deep and slow-and-deep inhalation consistent with the use of most pharmaceutical aerosol inhalers. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were used to predict aerosol transport and deposition in the series of acinar models across various orientations with gravity where ventilation was driven by wall motion. Primary findings indicated that increasing the number of alveolar duct generations beyond 3 had a negligible impact on total acinar deposition, and total acinar deposition was not affected by gravity orientation angle. A characteristic model containing three alveolar duct generations (D3) was then used to develop correlations of aerosol deposition in the alveolar airways as a function of particle size and particle residence time in the geometry. An alveolar deposition parameter was determined in which deposition correlated with d²t over the first half of inhalation followed by correlation with dt², where d is the aerodynamic diameter of the particles and t is the potential particle residence time in the alveolar model. Optimal breath-hold times to allow 95% deposition of inhaled 1, 2, and 3 μm particles once inside the alveolar region were approximately >10, 2.7, and 1.2 s, respectively. Coupling of the deposition correlations with previous stochastic individual path (SIP) model predictions of tracheobronchial deposition was demonstrated to predict alveolar dose of commercial pharmaceutical products. In conclusion, this study completes an initiative to determine the fate of inhaled pharmaceutical aerosols throughout the respiratory airways using CFD simulations.

Characterization of Airborne Nanoparticle Loss in Sampling Tubing

Airborne nanoparticle release has been studied extensively lately using a variety of instruments and nanoparticle loss data for the instrument sampling tubes were required. This study used real-time measurements to characterize particle losses. Particle concentrations were measured by Fast Mobility Particle Sizer (FMPS). Electrically conductive and Tygon sampling tubes 7.7 mm I.D. and 2.0, 4.9, 7.0, and 8.4 m long, were used to analyze particle losses. Two different sources of nearly steady-state particles-atmospheric nanoparticles (maximum concentration of 4,000-6,000 particle/cm(3)) and nebulizer-generated salt aerosols (maximum concentration of 14,000-16,000 particle/cm(3))-were utilized. For all test conditions, a reduction in particle number concentration was observed and found to be proportional to tube length for particle diameter (dp) less than 40 nm. A maximum loss up to 30% was found for the longest tube length (8.4 m) at particle size of approximately 8 nm. For particles from 40 to 400 nm, the losses were less than 3%. Measured particle losses were greater than predicted by theory for the smallest particles. The two types of tubing showed similar particle losses for both test aerosols. Particle losses were low for dp greater than 40 nm, and for all particle sizes when the tube length was less than 2 m.

Plasma jet printing of electronic materials on flexible and nonconformal objects

We present a novel approach for the room-temperature fabrication of conductive traces and their subsequent site-selective dielectric encapsulation for use in flexible electronics. We have developed an aerosol-assisted atmospheric pressure plasma-based deposition process for efficiently depositing materials on flexible substrates. Silver nanowire conductive traces and silicon dioxide dielectric coatings for encapsulation were deposited using this approach as a demonstration. The paper substrate with silver nanowires exhibited a very low change in resistance upon 50 cycles of systematic deformation, exhibiting high mechanical flexibility. The applicability of this process to print conductive traces on nonconformal 3D objects was also demonstrated through deposition on a 3D-printed thermoplastic object, indicating the potential to combine plasma printing with 3D printing technology. The role of plasma here includes activation of the material present in the aerosol for deposition, increasing the deposition rate, and plasma polymerization in the case of inorganic coatings. The demonstration here establishes a low-cost, high-throughput, and facile process for printing electronic components on nonconventional platforms.

Influence of Carrier Gas Composition on the Stress of Al₂O₃ Coatings Prepared by the Aerosol Deposition Method

Al₂O₃ films were prepared by the aerosol deposition method at room temperature using different carrier gas compositions. The layers were deposited on alumina substrates and the film stress of the layer was calculated by measuring the deformation of the substrate. It was shown that the film stress can be halved by using oxygen instead of nitrogen or helium as the carrier gas. The substrates were annealed at different temperature steps to gain information about the temperature dependence of the reduction of the implemented stress. Total relaxation of the stress can already be achieved at 300 °C. The XRD pattern shows crystallite growth and reduction of microstrain while annealing.

Scintigraphic assessment of radio-aerosol pulmonary deposition with the acapella positive expiratory pressure device and various nebulizer configurations

BACKGROUND

The Acapella device produces high-frequency oscillations and positive expiratory pressure to promote bronchial secretion clearance. Its performance during aerosol delivery has not been described. We evaluated the effect of nebulizer and Acapella configuration on pulmonary deposition of radio-tagged aerosol in healthy subjects.

METHODS

Ten healthy male subjects (mean age 24.4 ± 2.2 y) participated in a crossover study that compared pulmonary delivery of 4 mL of technetium-99m-labeled diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (25 mCi) and 0.9% saline solution via jet nebulizer. We tested 3 configurations: nebulizer attached to the distal end of the Acapella; nebulizer placed between the mouthpiece and the Acapella; and nebulizer alone (control). With scintigraphy we measured radio-aerosol deposition in 6 lung regions: upper, middle, lower, central, intermediate, and peripheral.

RESULTS

Deposition was similar between the right and left lungs, with no significant differences between device configurations. Lung deposition was less with the nebulizer attached to the Acapella than with nebulizer between the mouthpiece and the Acapella (P = .001, for both lungs) or without the Acapella (P = .003 and P = .001 for the right and left lungs, respectively). There was no significant difference between the setup without Acapella and the setup with the nebulizer between the mouthpiece and the Acapella (P = .001, for both lungs). On the vertical axis, deposition was lower with the nebulizer attached to the distal end of the Acapella than with the nebulizer between the mouthpiece and the Acapella (upper region P < .001, middle region P = .001, lower region P = .003), and lower with the nebulizer attached to the distal end of the Acapella than with the setup without Acapella (upper and middle region both P = .001, lower region P = .002), with up to a 3-fold difference in the middle and lower regions. On the central-peripheral axis, deposition was lower with the nebulizer attached to the distal end of the Acapella than with the nebulizer between the mouthpiece and the Acapella (central region P < .001, peripheral region P < .001), and lower with the nebulizer attached to the distal end of the Acapella than with the setup without Acapella (central and peripheral regions both P = .002), with differences of 3-4-fold between the central and peripheral regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Placing the nebulizer distal to the Acapella, as recommended by the manufacturer, decreased intrapulmonary deposition, compared to placing the nebulizer between the Acapella and the patient airway, or delivering aerosol without the Acapella in the circuit. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01102166).

Growth of nasal and laryngeal airways in children: implications in breathing and inhaled aerosol dynamics

BACKGROUND

The human respiratory airway undergoes dramatic growth during infancy and childhood, which induces substantial variability in air flow pattern and particle deposition. However, deposition studies have typically focused on adult subjects, the results of which cannot be readily extrapolated to children. We developed models to quantify the growth of human nasal-laryngeal airways at early ages, and to evaluate the impact of that growth on breathing resistance and aerosol deposition.

METHODS

Four image-based nasal-laryngeal models were developed from 4 children, ages 10 days, 7 months, 3 years, and 5 years, and were compared to a nasal-laryngeal model of a 53-year-old adult. The airway dimensions were quantified in terms of different parameters (volume, cross-section area, and hydraulic diameter) and of different anatomies (nose, pharynx, and larynx). Breathing resistance and aerosol deposition were computed using a high-fidelity fluid-particle transport model, and were validated against the measurements made with the 3-dimensional models fabricated from the same airway computed tomography images.

RESULTS

Significant differences in nasal morphology were observed among the 5 subjects, in both morphology and dimension. The turbinate region appeared to experience the most noticeable growth during the first 5 years of life. The nasal airway volume ratios of the 10-day, 7-month, 3-year, and 5-year-old subjects were 6.4%, 18.8%, 24.2%, and 40.3% that of the adult, respectively. Remarkable inter-group variability was observed in air flow, pressure drop, deposition fraction, and particle accumulation. The computational fluid dynamics predicted pressure drops and deposition fractions were in close agreement with in vitro measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

Age effects are significant in both breathing resistance and micrometer particle deposition. The image/computational-fluid-dynamics coupled method provides an efficient and effective approach in understanding patient-specific air flows and particle deposition, which have important implications in pediatric inhalation drug delivery and respiratory disorder diagnosis.

Lung deposition and pharmacokinetics of nebulized cyclosporine in lung transplant patients

BACKGROUND

Inhaled cyclosporine (CsA) is being investigated as a prophylaxis for lung transplant rejection. Lung deposition and systemic exposure of nebulized CsA in lung transplant patients was evaluated as part of the Phase 3 cyclosporine inhalation solution (CIS) trial (CYCLIST).

METHODS

Ten patients received 300 mg of CIS (62.5 mg/mL CsA in propylene glycol) admixed with 148 MBq of Tc-DTPA (technetium-99m bound to diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) administered using a Sidestream(®) disposable jet nebulizer. Deposition was assessed using a dual-headed gamma camera. Blood samples were collected over a 24-hr time period after aerosol dosing and analyzed for CsA levels. A pharmacokinetic analysis of the resulting blood concentration versus time profiles was performed.

RESULTS

The average total deposited dose was 53.7 ± 12.7 mg. Average pulmonary dose was 31.8 ± 16.3 mg, and stomach dose averaged 15.5 ± 11.1 mg. Device performance was consistent, with breathing maneuvers influencing dose variation. Predose coaching with five of 10 patients reduced stomach deposition (22.6 ± 11.2 vs. 8.3 ± 5.2 mg; p=0.03). Blood concentrations declined quickly from a maximum of 372 ± 140 ng/mL to 15.3 ± 9.7 ng/mL at 24 hr post dose. Levels of AUC(0-24) [area under the concentration vs. time curve from 0 to 24 hr] averaged 1,493 ± 746 ng hr/mL. On a three times per week dose regimen, this represents <5% of the weekly systemic exposure of twice per day oral administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial doses of CsA can be delivered to the lungs of lung transplant patients by inhaled aerosol. Systemic levels are small relative to typical oral CsA administration.