Spraytec – Inhaler device particle size analysis
Spraytec simultaneously measures dry powder and metered dose inhaler measures particle size and concentration in real-time during the actuation of a DPI or MDI. Particle size data quantifies dispersion. Spraytec measures across the complete size range of interest so everything is visible, from large agglomerates down to the fine detail of the respirable part of the aerosol plume. Concentration data relate to the ease of entrainment and the device emptying profile. This too is essential information for inhaler device and formulation optimization.
Because Spraytec is fast, all this insight is rapidly developed. The perfect complement to cascade impaction, Spraytec makes screening, development and detailed dynamic inhaler particle size analysis quicker and more efficient.
Case Studies
Aerosolization Analysis: Understanding DPI drug particle dispersion A study from Monash University focuses on a mechanofusion process for coating DPI particles to enhance drug delivery. Spraytec was used to contrast the entrainment and dispersion behavior of uncoated samples with those coated with magnesium stearate using either a conventional or energy-intensive mechanofusion process. The particles coated via the mechanofusion process show the most rapid entrainment and consistent dispersion at all flow rates. This suggests that such formulations could deliver more patient independent drug delivery performance.
Coating DPI drug particles for carrier-free delivery Researchers at the Aalto University School of Science and Technology have investigated L-Leucine coating as a technique for the development of carrier-free DPI formulations. The Morphologi G3 imaging system was used to investigate the impact of coating on surface morphology. Dispersion and entrainment behavior, from a commercial device, were quantified using a Spraytec. The results indicate that L-Leucine coated samples disperse efficiently, even at low flow rates.
Particle engineering for improved dispersion in DPIs Researchers at Nektar Therapeutics UK Ltd, in collaboration with the University of Bradford demonstrated the superior performance of DPI drug particles produced using a novel supercritical fluid (SCF) crystallization process. Using the Spraytec in-line with an Andersen cascade impactor (ACI) accelerated the study of: aerosolization behavior; dose uniformity; and de-agglomeration. The SCF process efficiently produces DPI particles that disperse to a finer particle size than micronized analogues.
Spraytec Inhalation cell for DPI, MDI and Nebuliser measurements The Spraytec Inhalation cell is specified for DPI, MDI and nebuliser testing. It simplifies experimentation under controlled air flow conditions, in accordance with routine testing protocols. Using the Inhalation cell Spraytec can be set-up in line with a cascade Impactor to streamline data acquisition.
