Valved-Holding Chamber Body Optimization for Enhanced Drug Delivery in Inhalation Therapy

This paper presents an innovative approach to the design optimization of valved holding chambers (VHCs), crucial devices in inhalation therapy. We demonstrate the design of an optimal body shape that maximizes capturing large particles and enhances the formations of fine particles. To achieve that we used the Bezier-curved geometry, and applied the theory of multiphase flow and particle breakup. Our study focused on the classification and mass flow of microparticles from pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDI). Our approach combined computational simulations and experiments to validate and assess the performance of our optimal VHC and compare it to other commercially available VHCs. The results reveal the superior efficacy of the optimal body design in delivering fine microparticles. The optimized curved body, resulting from our comprehensive optimization process, exhibits a well-balanced performance. It accomplishes a 72% particle mass flow fraction at the outlet and an average particle size reduction of 63.5%. When compared numerically in terms of size reduction, the optimal design outperforms the commercial VHCs. This study provides valuable insights into the optimization of VHC design, offering significant potential for improved aerosol drug delivery. Our findings demonstrate a new path forward for future studies, aiming to further optimize the design and performance of VHCs for enhanced pulmonary drug delivery.