Impact of selected construction elements of capsule-based dry powder inhalers on the manner of drug delivery to the lungs

Abstract

The article discusses selected issues related to construction and performance of dry powder inhalers with the spinning capsule: Aerolizer® and cyclohaler. Investigations involved devices and capsules found among medicinal products available on the domestic market. Based on scanning electron microscope images, the following were determined: (i) shape and crosssection of needles used to puncture drug-containing capsules as well as (ii) size, geometry and cross-section of small holes in the capsules through which powder is introduced into the airstream while using the inhaler. It was found that differences in shape and spatial arrangement of needles affect both the total area of holes and the character of perforation. In Aerolizer® inhalers, the average area of holes is 1.3 mm2 at each side of the capsule, and oval through holes are obtained. In investigated cyclohaler-type inhalers, the average hole area ranges from 1.6 to 2.2 mm2, and perforations are partly covered by torn fragments of the capsule. It has been determined that both the type of needles and inherent properties of the material from which capsules are made have an impact on observed effects. The authors have also assessed the potential influence of differences in the manner of perforation and applied capsule material on even powder release and aerosol generation in the device. Also, attention has been paid to other significant features of inhaler devices and powder formulations which decide about effective inhalation drug delivery to the respiratory system.

Keywords

• inhalation drugs
• aerosol
• dry powder inhaler
• capsule