Aerosol particle deposition experimental system with multi-stage adjustable respiratory tract structure

Abstract

The present invention discloses an aerosol particle deposition experimental system with a multi-stage adjustable respiratory tract structure. The system mainly includes: an atomizing aerosol generator, a high-efficiency filter, a three-way interface, an air-controlled one-way valve, an air filter dryer, a particle size analyzer, an adjustable aerosol collection device that simulates the multi-stage respiratory tract of the lungs, a hose, a laryngeal clamp, a strong NdFeB magnet, a respiratory pump, and a computer control system. The aerosol collection device is divided into two upper and lower chambers, separated by a PMMA plate with eight pipe ventilation inlets. The top of the upper chamber is connected to a model with a multi-stage respiratory tract structure; the lower chamber is connected to the respiratory tract model via eight pipe ventilation inlets and is also connected to a respiratory pump to control the fluid flow rate within the respiratory tract model. The present invention can provide an in vitro aerosol particle deposition experimental system that reproduces the respiratory tract bifurcation area under conditions of different particle sizes, different breathing modes, different levels of respiratory tract free combination, and different respiratory tract rotation angles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the fields of aerosol diffusion deposition and respiratory toxicology, and in particular relates to an aerosol particle deposition experimental system with a multi-stage adjustable respiratory tract structure. Background Art

[0002] With rapid economic development, some cities have experienced regional atmospheric particulate matter pollution. Aerosol pollution is becoming increasingly critical and challenging in air pollution control. Aerosols are a multiphase system composed of the atmosphere and suspended solid and liquid particles. Their chemical composition is complex and their properties are highly variable. The severity of their harmful effects on the human body varies depending on their composition, concentration, and particle size. Sufficiently high concentrations of aerosols can pose a threat to human health. Aerosols in the air can also spread fungi and viruses, potentially leading to regional epidemics and outbreaks of disease. Aerosol composition is a primary pathogenic factor, determining its toxicity and the types of disease it causes. The harmful effects of aerosols increase with concentration, with higher concentrations increasing the risk. Furthermore, as aerosol particle size decreases, it is more likely to be retained or absorbed by the human body. Research has shown that aerosols with an equivalent diameter of 10 μm or less can enter the trachea or bronchi, and even the deep respiratory tract and alveoli. Inhalation of aerosols can lead to varying degrees of fibrosis, inflammation, tissue degeneration, infection, and other pathologies in the human body, leading to infectious diseases, allergies, lung cancer, and other illnesses, causing immeasurable harm to the body. Understanding the transport, movement, and deposition of aerosol particles in the respiratory tract is a crucial step in predicting and preventing respiratory diseases.

[0003] Currently, there are two main types of experimental models for aerosol deposition in the lung respiratory tract: real-size experimental models and partially enlarged experimental models. The real-size experimental model has the advantage of being able to reflect the actual lung respiratory tract of various human bodies and age groups, but due to the accuracy of CT scanning, it can only reflect a limited number of respiratory levels. At the same time, the enlarged model proportionally enlarges the structure, making it easier to study the airflow and aerosol particle transmission and deposition in the lower respiratory tract. However, in existing experimental studies on enlarged models, most of the enlarged models are integrated models containing multiple levels of respiratory tract, which cannot accurately observe the specific airflow and aerosol particle distribution of each level of respiratory tract. At the same time, studies have shown that the main deposition location of aerosol particles in the respiratory tract is at the bifurcation of the respiratory tract, and the in vitro respiratory tract graded enlarged model uses a three-way pipe at the bifurcation of the respiratory tract, which is connected by a threaded method, and the rotation angle is fixed and cannot be adjusted. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an aerosol particle deposition experimental system with a multi-stage adjustable respiratory tract structure to address the aforementioned problems of the prior art. The present invention features a simple principle, convenient operation, and reusability. The multi-stage respiratory tract model can reproduce the systematic nature of fluid and particle transport. Its dimensions are designed based on the classic Weibel A model, which has been proven to effectively reflect fluid properties in the respiratory tract, helping to improve research accuracy.

[0005] The object of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions: an aerosol particle deposition experimental system with a multi-stage adjustable respiratory tract structure, the system comprising: an atomizing aerosol generator, a high-efficiency filter, a first three-way interface, a second three-way interface, a third three-way interface, an air-controlled one-way valve, an air filter dryer, a particle size analyzer, an aerosol collection device, a respiratory pump, and a computer control system;

[0006] The atomized aerosol generator, the first three-way interface, the air filter dryer, the second three-way interface, the aerosol collection device, the third three-way interface and the breathing pump are connected in sequence, and the breathing pump and the atomized aerosol generator are connected to a computer control system; the third channel ends of the first three-way interface, the second three-way interface and the third three-way interface are respectively connected to a high-efficiency filter, a first particle size analyzer and a second particle size analyzer, and the connection points are all equipped with air-controlled one-way valves;

[0007] The aerosol collection device is divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber;

[0008] A multi-stage respiratory tract model is provided in the upper chamber; the multi-stage respiratory tract model is a detachable three-stage tree-like bifurcated structure, divided into a first-stage respiratory tract, a second-stage respiratory tract, and a third-stage respiratory tract, wherein the first-stage respiratory tract is connected to the top opening of the aerosol collection device, and the eight branches of the third-stage respiratory tract are connected to the lower chamber;

[0009] The top of the lower chamber is provided with eight openings, which are connected to the eight branches of the third-level respiratory tract. One side of the lower chamber is provided with an opening, which is connected to the third three-way interface.

[0010] Furthermore, the aerosol collection device is made of PMMA material.

[0011] Furthermore, in the multi-stage respiratory tract model, the sizes of the first-stage respiratory tract, the second-stage respiratory tract, and the third-stage respiratory tract are determined by magnifying the actual anatomical data of the human body according to experimental conditions by corresponding multiples.

[0012] Furthermore, the branching angles of the first-level airway, the second-level airway, and the third-level airway are all 30°.

[0013] Furthermore, the entrances and bifurcated outlets of the first-level respiratory tract, the second-level respiratory tract and the third-level respiratory tract are respectively provided with eight holes with a diameter of 2 mm and a depth of 1 mm distributed equidistantly in a circle, and each hole is equipped with a strong neodymium iron boron magnet with a diameter of 2 mm and a thickness of 1 mm.

[0014] Furthermore, the multi-stage respiratory tract model is made of ABS resin material.

[0015] Furthermore, the respiratory tracts at each level are connected by means of throat clamps.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0017] The present invention can provide an in vitro method for reproducing aerosol particle deposition in the respiratory bifurcation area under conditions of different particle sizes, different breathing modes, different levels of respiratory tract free combinations, and different respiratory tract rotation angles. The above experimental system has a simple principle, is easy to operate, and can be used repeatedly.

[0018] The present invention adopts a detachable experimental model and designs the respiratory tract to be detachable in stages, enabling free assembly between the respiratory tracts at each level, thereby solving the problem that existing in vitro experimental models are usually integrated models and cannot accurately observe the specific airflow and aerosol particle distribution of each level of the respiratory tract.

[0019] The present invention places a certain number of strong NdFeB magnets in a circular and equidistant manner at the interfaces of each graded respiratory tract, so that the rotation angles between the various levels of respiratory tract can be adjusted and controlled. This can simulate the complex situation of multiple rotation angles of the human respiratory tract, thereby realizing the simulation of aerosol particle deposition in the multi-level respiratory tract.

[0020] The present invention focuses on restoring the respiratory bifurcation area and moving the connection positions of each level of the respiratory tract to the middle of the straight section of the respiratory tract, meeting the research conclusion that the main deposition position of aerosol particles in the respiratory tract is located at the respiratory bifurcation, and realizing the true reproduction of the deposition and diffusion of aerosol particles in the human respiratory tract. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a multi-stage respiratory aerosol particle deposition experimental system in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-stage respiratory tract model in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of respiratory tract cross-sections at various levels in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides an aerosol particle deposition experimental system with a multi-stage adjustable respiratory tract structure, comprising: an atomizing aerosol generator 1, a first three-way interface 2, a first air-controlled one-way valve 3, a high-efficiency filter 4, an air filter dryer 5, a second three-way interface 6, a second air-controlled one-way valve 7, a first particle size analyzer 8, an aerosol collection device 9, a multi-stage respiratory tract model 10, a hose 11, a second particle size analyzer 12, a third air-controlled one-way valve 13, a third three-way interface 14, a respiratory pump 15, a computer control system 16, and a throat clamp 17.

[0026] The aerosol collection device 9 has an opening at its top, connected to a second three-way interface 6 via a pipeline. One end of the second three-way interface 6 is connected to a second air-controlled one-way valve 7, which is connected to a first particle size analyzer 8. The other end of the second three-way interface 6 is connected to an air filter-dryer 5, which is connected to a first three-way interface 2. One end of the first three-way interface 2 is connected to a high-efficiency filter 4 via a first air-controlled one-way valve 3, and the other end of the first three-way interface 2 is connected to an atomizing aerosol generator 1. The aerosol collection device 9 is connected to a third three-way interface 14 at its bottom. One end of the third three-way interface 14 is connected to a third air-controlled one-way valve 13, which is connected to a second particle size analyzer 12. The other end of the third three-way interface 14 is connected to a respiratory pump 15. The respiratory pump 15 and the atomizing aerosol generator 1 are connected to a computer control system 16. The aerosol collection device is made of PMMA, and the multi-stage respiratory tract model is made of ABS resin.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the aerosol collection device 9 is divided into two upper and lower chambers, the upper chamber 9-1 is connected to the multi-stage respiratory tract model 10 at the opening; eight openings are left on the upper side of the lower chamber 9-2, and the eight openings are connected to the multi-stage respiratory tract model 10 through a hose 11, and an opening is provided on one side of the lower chamber 9-2, and the opening is connected to the three-way interface 14.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, the multi-stage breathing model 10 includes three-stage breathing ducts 10-1, 10-2, and 10-3 that can be assembled and disassembled.

[0029] The main pipe length of the first-level respiratory tract 10-1 is 8.7 cm, the main pipe diameter of the first-level respiratory tract 10-1 is 1.8 cm, the branch radius of the first-level respiratory tract 10-1 is 4.05 cm, the branch radius of the first-level respiratory tract 10-1 is 30°, the graded diameter of the first-level respiratory tract 10-1 is 1.5 cm, the extension length of the first-level respiratory tract 10-1 is 1.5 cm, the wall thickness of the first-level respiratory tract 10-1 is 0.3 cm, and the entrance and bifurcation outlet of the first-level respiratory tract 10-1 are respectively distributed in a circular manner with eight holes with a diameter of 2 mm and a depth of 1 mm at equal intervals.

[0030] The main pipe length of the second-level respiratory tract 10-2 is 1.86 cm, the main pipe diameter of the second-level respiratory tract 10-2 is 1.5 cm, the branch radius of the second-level respiratory tract 10-2 is 4.94 cm, the branch radius of the second-level respiratory tract 10-2 is 30°, the graded diameter of the second-level respiratory tract 10-2 is 1.05 cm, the extension length of the second-level respiratory tract 10-2 is 0.6 cm, the wall thickness of the second-level respiratory tract 10-2 is 0.3 cm, and the entrance and bifurcation outlet of the second-level respiratory tract 10-2 are respectively equidistantly distributed in a circle with eight holes with a diameter of 2 mm and a depth of 1 mm.

[0031] The main tube length of the third-level respiratory tract 10-3 is 1.11 cm, the main tube diameter of the third-level respiratory tract 10-3 is 1.05 cm, the branch radius of the third-level respiratory tract 10-3 is 2.35 cm, the branch radius of the third-level respiratory tract 10-3 is 30°, the graded diameter of the third-level respiratory tract 10-3 is 0.87 cm, the extended length of the third-level respiratory tract 10-3 is 1.39 cm, the wall thickness of the third-level respiratory tract 10-3 is 0.3 cm, and the inlet and bifurcation outlet of the third-level respiratory tract 10-3 are respectively equidistantly distributed in an annular manner with eight holes with a diameter of 2 mm and a depth of 1 mm. The various levels of the respiratory tract are fixedly connected by a throat clamp 17.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown in panels A and B, eight strong NdFeB magnets with a diameter of 2 mm and a thickness of 1 mm are placed equidistantly in a circle at the entrances and exits of the respiratory tract at each level of the model.

[0033] Atomizing aerosol generator, model 3475, can produce concentrations greater than 10 6 pieces / cm 3 Monodisperse aerosol droplets with a size range of 0.1 to 0.8 μm

[0034] The above designs are all based on real human lung respiratory anatomical data. Through this experimental model, flow fields and particle deposition can be systematically studied, which helps to better understand the process of harmful aerosols in the environment affecting the human body and the transmission and deposition mechanism of aerosol drugs in the lungs. In one embodiment, an aerosol particle deposition experimental system with a multi-level adjustable respiratory structure is provided, including the following steps:

[0035] After the model is connected, the computer control system 16 turns on the atomizing aerosol generator 1 to generate aerosol droplets of a set diameter. The aerosol droplets enter the air filter dryer 5 along with the airflow, generating high-concentration monodisperse aerosol particles. The aerosol droplets enter the pipeline in the multi-stage respiratory tract model 10 along with the airflow. The first particle size analyzer 8 is turned on, and the concentration and particle size distribution of the aerosol particles at the upper end are measured until the concentration stabilizes. The breathing mode of the breathing pump 15 is set and the breathing pump 15 is turned on. The second particle size analyzer 12 is turned on, and the concentration and particle size distribution of the aerosol particles at the lower end are measured. The ratio of the difference between the upper concentration and the lower concentration to the upper concentration is the respiratory tract aerosol particle deposition rate.

[0036] Under specific breathing conditions at a preset time, a certain amount of aerosol particles can be collected in the multi-stage respiratory tract model 10. The multi-stage respiratory tract model can be split into a first-stage respiratory tract model 10-1, a second-stage respiratory tract model 10-2, and a third-stage respiratory tract model 10-3. The disassembled models can be weighed independently to measure aerosol deposition at different locations under different breathing patterns. The various stages of the respiratory tract in the multi-stage respiratory tract model 10 can be rotated by specific angles to study the deposition of aerosol particles in the respiratory tract under different rotation angle branches. The disassembled respiratory tract model at a specific stage can also be connected to the upper chamber of the aerosol collection device 9 to independently study the particle size and deposition in and out of its model pipe.

[0037] With the help of the above aerosol particle deposition experimental system, the number of particles inhaled into the channels at various levels under different breathing conditions and different respiratory rotation angles can be counted, and their deposition distribution, transport and deposition characteristics in the respiratory tract can be studied. This can further guide related research on inhalable drugs, such as improving the efficiency of drug delivery to lesions.

[0038] The aerosol particle deposition experimental system with a multi-stage adjustable respiratory structure according to the embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the above experimental system is simple in principle, easy to operate, and can be used repeatedly. The above experimental system can study the particle transmission and deposition in the multi-stage respiratory tract, and can also count the particle size and distribution in each level of the channel. By changing the number of respiratory tract stages and the rotation angle, the aerosol particle deposition in a specific area can be simulated. By moving the connection position of each level of the respiratory tract to the middle of the straight section of the respiratory tract, it is possible to focus on restoring the bifurcation area of ​​the respiratory tract, and achieve a true reproduction of the deposition and diffusion of aerosol particles in the human respiratory tract.

[0039] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications may be made within the scope of knowledge possessed by a person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention and the features within the embodiments may be combined with one another unless there is a conflict.

Claims

1. An aerosol particle deposition experimental system with a multi-stage adjustable respiratory tract structure, characterized in that: The system includes: an atomizing aerosol generator, a high-efficiency filter, a first three-way interface, a second three-way interface, a third three-way interface, an air-controlled one-way valve, an air filter dryer, a particle size analyzer, an aerosol collection device, a breathing pump and a computer control system; The atomized aerosol generator, the first three-way interface, the air filter dryer, the second three-way interface, the aerosol collection device, the third three-way interface and the breathing pump are connected in sequence, and the breathing pump and the atomized aerosol generator are connected to a computer control system; the third channel ends of the first three-way interface, the second three-way interface and the third three-way interface are respectively connected to a high-efficiency filter, a first particle size analyzer and a second particle size analyzer, and the connection points are all equipped with air-controlled one-way valves; The aerosol collection device is divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber; A multi-stage respiratory tract model is provided in the upper chamber; the multi-stage respiratory tract model is a detachable three-stage tree-like bifurcated structure, divided into a first-stage respiratory tract, a second-stage respiratory tract, and a third-stage respiratory tract, wherein the first-stage respiratory tract is connected to the top opening of the aerosol collection device, and the eight branches of the third-stage respiratory tract are connected to the lower chamber; The top of the lower chamber is provided with eight openings, which are connected to the eight branches of the third-level respiratory tract. One side of the lower chamber is provided with an opening, which is connected to the third three-way interface.

2. The aerosol particle deposition experimental system with a multi-stage adjustable respiratory tract structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The aerosol collection device is made of PMMA material.

3. The aerosol particle deposition experimental system with a multi-stage adjustable respiratory tract structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the multi-stage respiratory tract model, the sizes of the first-stage respiratory tract, the second-stage respiratory tract, and the third-stage respiratory tract are determined by magnifying the actual anatomical data of the human body according to experimental conditions by corresponding multiples.

4. The aerosol particle deposition experimental system with a multi-stage adjustable respiratory tract structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The branching angles of the first-level airway, the second-level airway and the third-level airway are all 30°.

5. The aerosol particle deposition experimental system with a multi-stage adjustable respiratory tract structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The entrances and bifurcated outlets of the first-level respiratory tract, the second-level respiratory tract and the third-level respiratory tract are respectively provided with eight holes with a diameter of 2 mm and a depth of 1 mm distributed equidistantly in a circle, and each hole is equipped with a strong neodymium iron boron magnet with a diameter of 2 mm and a thickness of 1 mm.

6. The aerosol particle deposition experimental system with a multi-stage adjustable respiratory tract structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-stage respiratory tract model is made of ABS resin material.

7. The aerosol particle deposition experimental system with a multi-stage adjustable respiratory tract structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The respiratory tracts at all levels are connected by means of hose clamps.

Images