A charge coupled device system to image local particle deposition patternsin 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 R ed, were deposited in a human nasal airway model by drawing the aerosol thr ough the replica at a constant airflow rate. Particle deposition patterns w ere then measured for each section of the model by using a charge coupled d evice to record particle fluorescence patterns. Customized imaging analysis software was used to extract the position and intensity of fluorescent sit es. A resolution of 0.3 mm on fluorescent particle position was achieved. T his method can be used to develop more efficient techniques for delivering medicinal drugs to the human body via inhalation and to understand better t he mechanisms that control particle deposition in the geometrically complex nasal airways.