Characterisation of a fL droplet generator for inhalation drug therapy

A droplet generator for Inhalation Drug Therapy (IDT) was developed which works in the fL size range. The device uses nozzles that are etched through thin membranes by Deep Reactive Ion-etching (DRIE). To analyse the ejection of droplets, high speed video showed to be the most effective. Different election regimes were seen as function of the actuation amplitude. To measure the high number of droplets ejected from the final devices, Laser Doppler Anemometry was used. The device as presented showed some of the most critical characteristics required by the FDA and industry. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.