Applied Research

Electrostatic Effects on the Transport and Dispersion of Micro-Nano Pharmaceutical Powders

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Abstract

A predetermined amount of micro-nano powder particles contribute to the treatment during a patient’s inhalation of the bolus of respiratory micro-nano pharmaceutical powders in an aerosolized state from commercially available inhalers. The most popular inhalers are the metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs). While inhaling, the complicated inlet velocity profile and turbulent flow in the mouth-throat significantly impact the gaining of electrostatic charge through triboelectric charging. The inhaled particles are not only varying sizes but also polarity of charges. However, few studies have been conducted to investigate electrostatic charge force effects on particle losses in the oral, pharynx, and larynx (OPL) regions before inhaling into the trachea and subsequent deeper lung. This research, however, has shed light on the integrated impact of powder particles’ size and electrostatic charge on the deposition of inhaled pharmaceutical particles in a polyester resin cast of a cadaver-based mouth-throat, a replicate of human OPL regions. Each powder aerosol particle was characterized for its aerodynamic diameter (size) and charge by a Single Particle Aerodynamic Relaxation Time Analyzer (ESPARTA) before and after passing through the mouth-throat cast. The study findings show that particles' charge-to-mass ratio and electrical mobility varied with size. Electrostatic properties played a significant and enlightening role in particle losses in the mouth-throat cast. Deposition fraction or losses of powder particles loss were comparatively higher for DPIs than for MDIs.

Keywords: nanoparticle microscopy, respiratory disease medicine, electrostatic charge, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, metered dose inhaler, COPD

How to Cite:

Ali, M., (2025) “Electrostatic Effects on the Transport and Dispersion of Micro-Nano Pharmaceutical Powders”, The Journal of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering 1(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/jtmae.18306