In vitro comparison of an electronic micropump nebulizer with other high efficiency nebulizers

Abstract

Rationale Nebulizers vary in available respirable mass and treatment times. The Aeroneb® Go Nebulizer (Aerogen, Inc.) has a novel design and generates aerosol using the OnQ™ electronic micropump. Its aerosol delivery characteristics were compared with those of the high efficiency MicroAir® (Omron, Inc.) and LC Star® (Pari Respiratory Equipment, Inc.) nebulizers using albuterol sulfate ampoules (2.5 mg in 3 mL). Methods Inhaled albuterol was collected on a filter placed between the nebulizer and breathing simulator (Hans Rudolph; adult pattern). Aerosol Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) and fine particle fraction less than 5.8 μm (FPF) were determined by cascade impaction. The amount of drug deposited was determined by HPLC. Treatment time was measured to the end of aerosol generation or one minute past sputter. Results The MMAD of the Go (3.1 μm) fell between those of the MicroAir (5.2 μm) and LC Star (1.7 μm). Respirable mass (inhaled mass × FPF) trended greater for the LC Star (31 ± 6%) and the Go (31 ± 4%) vs. the MicroAir (27 ± 2%) (p=ns by ANOVA). Treatment time for the Go (6 min) was half that of the Micro Air (12 min) or the LC Star (14 min). Conclusion Aerosol delivery characteristics of the Aeroneb Go are consistent with those of the most efficient general-purpose nebulizers. The Aeroneb Go offers the advantage of a substantially shorter treatment time.