Experimental characteristics of drug aerosol as a basis for personalization of inhalation therapy

Objective. To experimentally determine the spatial, velocity, and size characteristics of a salbutamol drug aerosol generated by a jet nebulizer and to substantiate their use as input data for personalized three-dimensional modeling of drug aerosol deposition. Material and methods. An experimental laboratory study was performed using an aerosol flow generated by a jet compressor nebulizer. The spatial and hydrodynamic characteristics of the aerosol were assessed using a combination of optical techniques, including Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), Phase Doppler Anemometry (PDA), and Shadow Photography (SP). Aerosol plume geometry, local velocity fields, particle size characteristics, and their changes following interaction with a model hydrophilic surface were evaluated. Results. The spatial, velocity, and size characteristics of the medicinal aerosol were determined. An integral dimensionless aerosol flow parameter (Targeted Drug Delivery, TDD) was proposed and experimentally validated; its values remained stable across different regions of the respiratory tract. The obtained parameters may be used as input data for personalized three-dimensional modeling of drug aerosol deposition. Conclusion. Comprehensive experimental characterization of drug aerosol flow provides physically grounded input data for personalized three-dimensional modeling of aerosol deposition. The proposed approach enables individualized prediction of drug delivery based on aerosol characteristics and patient-specific airway anatomy.