Nicotine Aerosol Delivery via Pneumatic Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering nicotine through pulmonary routes face challenges such as particle size optimization, degradation, and agglomeration issues in dry powder inhalers, limiting the efficacy and efficiency of nicotine delivery.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a gaseous carrier with a delivery enhancing compound, such as an inorganic acid or carboxylic acid, is used to combine with nicotine in an aqueous solution, forming particles with a Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter of less than 6 microns, enhancing nicotine delivery without the need for excipients or solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dry powder inhalers are used to deliver nicotine, then particle size can be optimized for pulmonary delivery, but the powder tends to agglomerate especially in the presence of moisture, reducing flowability and efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of nicotine from solid powder to liquid solution, and then to aerosol form. This parameter change eliminates the agglomeration issue inherent in dry powder formulations while maintaining controlled particle size through the aerosolization process rather than milling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a liquid-based aerosol delivery system where nicotine solution is atomized through pneumatic or ultrasonic mechanisms. This hydraulic/pneumatic approach replaces mechanical milling and avoids the agglomeration problems of dry powder inhalers while achieving fine particle distribution.
2Ease of operation
If nicotine is delivered through traditional intravenous/intramuscular or oral routes, then delivery is straightforward, but the rapid onset and reduced side-effects of pulmonary delivery are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs liquid aerosol delivery through pneumatic or ultrasonic atomization, allowing nicotine to be inhaled as a fine mist. This method combines the simplicity of inhalation with rapid pulmonary absorption, achieving fast onset while maintaining ease of use.
3Manufacturing precision
If milling is used to reduce particle size for pulmonary delivery, then particle size can be controlled, but heat is produced during milling causing degradation of the medicament
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical milling with liquid-based aerosolization. The liquid solution is atomized through pneumatic or ultrasonic means, avoiding mechanical friction and heat generation while achieving fine particle size control through the aerosol formation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the delivery medium from solid powder (requiring milling) to liquid solution (requiring only atomization). This parameter change eliminates the heat generation problem of mechanical milling while maintaining particle size control through controlled aerosolization.
4Manufacturing precision
If metal mills are used in the milling process, then particle size reduction is achieved, but metal can rub off and contaminate the medicament
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces metal milling equipment with liquid aerosolization technology. The liquid solution is atomized through pneumatic or ultrasonic means, eliminating contact between metal surfaces and the medicament while achieving fine particle size control through the aerosol formation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state from solid powder (processed by metal milling) to liquid solution (processed by aerosolization). This parameter change eliminates metal contamination risk while maintaining particle size control through controlled atomization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach increases the nicotine dose delivered, improves particle formation, and reduces residual nicotine, leading to more efficient and sustained nicotine aerosol delivery, suitable for smoking cessation and harm reduction.
Implementation Method 1
combining nicotine with a delivery enhancing compound in a gaseous stream to generate an aerosol for pulmonary delivery
Implementation Method 2
forming particles with a Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter of less than 6 microns
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to an improved method of enhancing nicotine concentrations in a gaseous carrier. The methods are adaptable to the delivery of nicotine for therapeutic effect in various diseases, in particular nicotine for tobacco product use cessation, substitution and/or harm reduction. The disclosure further relates various devices and device design principles for practicing these methods.