An Overview on Atomization and Its Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Atomization is an intricate operation involving unstable and complex networks with rupture and fusion of liquid molecules. There are diverse details that typify the spray formation, which are the technique and configuration of the atomization process, dimension and structure of the nozzle, experimental parameters, etc. Ultimately, the process generates fine sprays from the bulk of a liquid. Some examples of atomization that we come across in our day-to-day life are antiperspirant or hair spray, shower head, garden sprinkler, or cologne mist. In this review paper we are briefly discussing the theoretical steps taking place in an atomization technique. The instabilities of the jet and sheet are explained to understand the underlying theory that breaks the jet or sheet into droplets. Different types of atomization processes based on the energy sources are also summarized to give an idea about the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques. We are also discussing the various biomedical applications of the electrohydrodynamic atomization and its potential to use as a drug delivery system. In short, this paper is trying to demonstrate the diverse applications of atomization to show its potency as a user friendly and cost-effective technique for various purposes.

Pulmonary drug delivery and retention: A computational study to identify plausible parameters based on a coupled airway-mucus flow model

“…A survey of the literature reveals a wide variation in the size of the aerosols (0.1–100 μ m) produced from commercially available aerosol generators (inhalers, nebulizers etc.) [ 3 ]. Basu et al [ 24 ] reported a mass median diameter larger than 40 μ m, while Kooji et al [ 2 ] reported the mass median diameter of aerosols produced from various ultrasonic nebulizers to be in the range of 1–10 μ m although larger droplets (∼50 μ m) were also observed.…”

“…The drug molecules may be in the form of dry powders or liquid aerosols, and are administered in a non-invasive manner with the help of aerosol generators such as inhalers, nebulisers etc. [ 2 , 3 ]. Once inhaled, the powdered/aerosolised drugs are transported along the respiratory tract where they deposit depending on their physio-chemical properties as well as breathing characteristics and physiological conditions.…”

“…Once inhaled, the powdered/aerosolised drugs are transported along the respiratory tract where they deposit depending on their physio-chemical properties as well as breathing characteristics and physiological conditions. Thus, drugs can be delivered locally to a targeted region of the lung for treatment of respiratory diseases, such as asthma or COPD [ 3 ]. Such targeted delivery can potentially lead to smaller overall drug dose and reduced side effects.…”

Recent trends in structures and applications of valveless piezoelectric pump—a review

“…The pump without the valve also has the advantage of delivering high-viscosity medium, macromolecules and biologically active cells. Also, the structure was further downsized to produce a flow at the micrometer level, which can meet the requirement of the high-precision fields such as drug delivery and biomedical applications [57,80,81]. The advantages of the piezoelectric pump with active, check valve and valveless pump when compared with the other pump mentioned above are shown in figure 2, also, the comparison of the pump with active, check valve and valveless pump are listed in figure 2.…”

Novel liquid atomization technique based on photothermal generation of the metallic thin film

“…Atomization, a process commonly observed through various spray mechanisms in our daily lives, also holds crucial significance in industrial applications like inkjet printing. 1 Consequently, atomization techniques have become invaluable tools with applications spanning a wide spectrum.…”