Nanoparticle Generator for Animal Inhalation Experiments

描述（由申请人提供）：本研究的目的是使用高频超声雾化和随后的喷雾干燥产生约100 nm的气载细颗粒。这种粒子发生器对于在小型实验室动物上进行吸入实验将是有价值的。这项技术的未来应用将包括产生纳米粉末的药物的目的，有效的交付和高生物利用度，以及荧光纳米探针的细胞水平的研究生化过程。 所提出的装置的开发提出了若干技术挑战。高能声波可能会对药物造成热损伤或机械损伤，这需要使用有效的冷却、声致动器的间歇操作和合适溶剂的选择来控制。 拟议的发展将通过实验研究来完成，利用几种先进的仪器作为诊断工具。喷雾干燥前的液滴尺寸将使用实时整体激光衍射仪测量。干燥过程完成后，将使用基于电迁移率的粒度仪测量固体颗粒。 评价和检测将涵盖小分子和大分子颗粒，即蛋白质，其雾化后的效力将通过测量其酶活性进行检测。HPLC技术将用于验证小分子药物的完整性。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Objective of this research is to generate airborne fine particles around 100 nm, using high-frequency ultrasonic nebulization and subsequent spray drying. Such a particle generator would be valuable for inhalation experiments on small laboratory animals. Future applications of this technology would include generation of nano-powders of drugs for the purpose of efficient delivery and high bioavailability, as well as fluorescent nanoprobes for cell-level studies of biochemical processes. Development of the proposed device poses several technical challenges. High-energy acoustic waves may cause thermal or mechanical damage to the drug that needs to be controlled using efficient cooling, intermittent operation of the acoustic actuator and the choice of suitable solvents. The proposed development would be accomplished through experimental research, utilizing several advanced instruments as diagnostic tools. Drop sizes prior to spray drying will be measured using a real-time ensemble laser diffraction instrument. After completion of the drying process, solid particles will be measured using an electro-mobility based particle sizer. Evaluation and testing will cover particles of small molecules as well as macromolecules, i.e. proteins, whose potency after nebulization will be tested by measuring their enzymatic activity. HPLC techniques will be used to verify the integrity of small molecule drugs.