A Charge Coupled Device System to Image Local Particle Deposition Patterns in a Model of a Human Nasal Airway

A new method was developed to measure local particle deposition patterns in a full-scale multisectional replica of a human nasal airway. Monodisperse dioctyl sebacate aerosol particles, labeled with the fluorescent dye Nile Red, were deposited in a human nasal airway model by drawing the aerosol through the replica at a constant airflow rate. Particle deposition patterns were then measured for each section of the model by using a charge coupled device to record particle fluorescence patterns. Customized imaging analysis software was used to extract the position and intensity of fluorescent sites. A resolution of 0.3 mm on fluorescent particle position was achieved. This method can be used to develop more efficient techniques for delivering medicinal drugs to the human body via inhalation and to understand better the mechanisms that control particle deposition in the geometrically complex nasal airways.