Smartdrops - Shaping the future of particle technology. The aim of this project is to develop a particle engineering technology, based on microfluidics, that results in micro-droplets with controlled geometry and morphology. These Smartdrops will be used to target respiratory macrophages for the delivery of inflammatory suppressants, since their dimensions can be controlled to optimise lung deposition and macrophage recognition. The project aims to develop an aerosol inhaler and a series of phys ....Smartdrops - Shaping the future of particle technology. The aim of this project is to develop a particle engineering technology, based on microfluidics, that results in micro-droplets with controlled geometry and morphology. These Smartdrops will be used to target respiratory macrophages for the delivery of inflammatory suppressants, since their dimensions can be controlled to optimise lung deposition and macrophage recognition. The project aims to develop an aerosol inhaler and a series of physico-chemical and in vitro characterisation tools that will be used to study Smartdrop formation, aerosol properties and their interactions with cells. The outcome of this project is intended to be the development of a technology for treating chronic lung inflammation which could also be utilised for a number of other commercial applications.Read moreRead less
Engineering pressurized liquid droplets to generate high-efficiency aerosols for targeted respiratory delivery. Many macroscopic aspects of pressurised Metered Dose Inhaler (pMDI) for respiratory diseases are recognised, but are yet to be understood at the basic level and accordingly exploited. In particular, the droplet charge mechanism in non-aqueous pMDIs remains elusive. Currently, although a wide range of drugs are commercially available as pMDIs, the efficiency of these systems is poor, wi ....Engineering pressurized liquid droplets to generate high-efficiency aerosols for targeted respiratory delivery. Many macroscopic aspects of pressurised Metered Dose Inhaler (pMDI) for respiratory diseases are recognised, but are yet to be understood at the basic level and accordingly exploited. In particular, the droplet charge mechanism in non-aqueous pMDIs remains elusive. Currently, although a wide range of drugs are commercially available as pMDIs, the efficiency of these systems is poor, with most devices delivering less than 20 per cent to the lung. An insight into these systems is crucial to successfully enhance the performance of aerosol formulations in industry, ultimately translating into superior patient therapy. This project will create a theoretical model for pMDI formulation that can be applied to the development of a new generation of inhalation medicines.Read moreRead less
Engineering better sprays for leaf coating: from drop impact to retention. This proposal aims to understand the performance of a unique rheological modifier that can enable an order of magnitude increase in coating efficiency for aerosol sprays while not affecting the quality of droplet formation during spraying. The effect occurs via a dispersed network of fibrous particles in water, providing a weak but useful ability to coat surfaces by responsively adjusting its structure. The material is ex ....Engineering better sprays for leaf coating: from drop impact to retention. This proposal aims to understand the performance of a unique rheological modifier that can enable an order of magnitude increase in coating efficiency for aerosol sprays while not affecting the quality of droplet formation during spraying. The effect occurs via a dispersed network of fibrous particles in water, providing a weak but useful ability to coat surfaces by responsively adjusting its structure. The material is expected to enable a broad array of applications, from agricultural treatments to nasal sprays, by exhibiting responsive behaviour at concentrations much lower than conventional modifiers require. The project will study the responsiveness of the system in single droplet, spray, and coating form as well as an active delivery system.Read moreRead less