Abstract
Dry powder inhaler (DPI) is a device used to deliver a drug in dry powder form to the lungs. A wide range of DPI products is currently available, with the choice of DPI device largely depending on the dose, dosing frequency and powder properties of formulations. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD), together with various particle motion modelling tools, such as discrete particle methods (DPM) and discrete element methods (DEM), have been increasingly used to optimise DPI design by revealing the details of flow patterns, particle trajectories, de-agglomerations and depositions within the device and the delivery paths. This review article focuses on the development of the modelling methodologies of flow and particle behaviours in DPI devices and their applications to device design in several emerging fields. Various modelling methods, including the most recent multi-scale approaches, are covered and the latest simulation studies of different devices are summarised and critically assessed. The potential and effectiveness of the modelling tools in optimising designs of emerging DPI devices are specifically discussed, such as those with the features of high-dose, pediatric patient compatibility and independency of patients’ inhalation manoeuvres. Lastly, we summarise the challenges that remain to be addressed in DPI-related fluid and particle modelling and provide our thoughts on future research direction in this field.
Highlights
Dry powder inhaler (DPI) is a device used to deliver a drug in dry powder form to the lungs
A wide range of DPI devices are available and in development for clinical use. They can be classified into four groups: single-dose devices in which an individual dose is stored in a capsule and loaded into the inhaler by patients immediately before use (Aerolizer®, Handihaler®, Breezhaler® ); single-unit disposable devices with the drug stored in a drug pocket within the device (TwinCaps®, TwincerTM, resQhalerTM); multi-unit pre-metered dose devices that contain a series of blisters or capsules stored within the device (Diskus®, Ellipta®, Diskhaler® ); multi-dose reservoir devices in which powder is metered from a storage unit by patients before inhalation (Turbuhaler®, Twisthaler®, PressairTM) [2]
This study has introduced and critically reviewed various modelling methodologies used for predicting fluid and particle behaviours in DPIs
Summary
Dry powder inhaler (DPI) is a device used to deliver a drug in dry powder form to the lungs. The total number of particles within the device is very large and a simulation the computational power This means a major challenge for DPI modelling is to obtain a with the consideration of all particles and complex interactions would quickly overwhelmof only reasonably accurate prediction of the particle movements with the consideration the computational power. We first provide an overview of the capabilities of various conventional and state-of-the-art modelling approaches in predicting the flow and particle behaviours in DPIs. The application of computational modelling is exemplified in guiding the development of emerging DPI designs, as well as the optimisation of existing DPI design for a wider range of patients. We summarise the challenges in computation modelling of DPI and provide our thoughts on future research directions in this field
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
